• Job Description

  Req#: 37559

  Agency : Department of Human Services

  Opening Date: May 29, 2024
  Closing Date/Time: 06/11/2024
  Salary: Anticipated Salary: (Effective 7/1/24) $5,703 - $8,170 per month ($68,436 - $98,040 per year)
  Job Type: Salaried
  County: Sangamon
  Number of Vacancies: 1
  Plan/BU: RC062

  This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

  All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

  While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

  Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

  Posting Identification Number 37559

  Position Overview

  The Division of Early Childhood is seeking to hire a position to serve as a Special Projects Specialist. This position organizes, plans, executes, controls, and evaluates the operation of the review and approval processes of the Special Projects and/or Initiatives contracts and/or grant agreements for assigned area(s). This position plans for the most efficient utilization of program resources, responds to inquiries from sources including but not limited to staff, providers and legislative sources; interprets and disseminates contract payment policy and procedures according to guidelines established by State, Federal and Department rules, and procedures; makes substantive recommendations to assist management in defining, clarifying, and modifying program policy; monitors terminal input and inquiry relative to the processing of department contract payments; and conducts special projects related to assigned program areas. DEC is one of six divisions within the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). DEC serves to strengthen and centralize Child Care, Early Intervention, Home Visiting, and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start within IDHS. The DEC vision is for Illinois’ pregnant persons, young children, and families to have the supports they need to achieve their full potential. The DEC mission is to enhance equitable access to Child Care, Home Visiting, and Early Intervention programs and services that support whole child development. DEC is committed to the following guiding values: Whole Child Focus, Quality Service Delivery, Equity, Relentless Pursuit of Mission, Respect and Dignity, and Stability and Sustainability.

  Job Responsibilities

  1. Serves as a Special Projects Specialist.
  2. Plans for the most efficient utilization of program resources, responds to inquiries from sources including but not limited to staff, providers and legislative sources.
  3. Participates in activities that advance the DEC’s Strategic Plan and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice Plan, using an equity lens in the implementation and support of DEC program and operational objectives and outcomes.
  4. Interprets and disseminates administrative contract and Special Projects and Initiatives contract and/or grant agreement policy and procedures according to guidelines established by state, federal and Department rules, and procedures for assigned area.
  5. Makes substantive recommendations to assist management in defining, clarifying, and modifying Special Projects and Initiatives policies and procedures.
  6. Monitors terminal input and inquiry relative to the processing of Special Projects and Initiatives contracts and/or grant agreements.
  7. Conducts extensive research to gather information from locations for development and dissemination of comprehensive reports regarding Special Projects/Initiatives related to assigned program areas, using Microsoft Office Suite, graphs, and charts.
  8. Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

  Minimum Qualifications

  1. Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with coursework in business or public administration.
  2. Requires one (1) year of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, OR completion of an agency approved professional management training program.

  Preferred Qualifications

  1. Two (2) years of professional experience processing contracts and grant agreements while adhering to state and federal mandates (e.g., grantmaking/2CFR-Grant Accountability and Transparency Act) at a public or private organization as a grantor or grantee/vendor.
  2. Two (2) years of professional experience with carrying out and tracking the status of Procurement processes (e.g., Procurement documents and Bid Buy).
  3. Two (2) years of professional experience with implementing a formal contract and grant agreement tracking system(s) to manage the multifaceted workflow of various related documents.
  4. Two (2) years of professional experience providing training and/or technical assistance regarding the grant agreement, contract, and procurement processes.
  5. Two (2) years of professional experience meeting deadlines with strong attention to detail and use of abstract/critical thinking skills while multi-tasking.
  6. One (1) year of professional experience establishing and maintain working relationship with contractual grantees and/or venders to assist in grant agreement and/or contract related inquires/problems.

  Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
  Work Location: 100 South Grand Ave E, Springfield, Illinois, 62762

  Division of Early Childhood

  Bureau of Contracts and Payments

  Contract Unit/Special Projects and Initiatives

  Springfield/Sangamon County

  
  Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@Illinois.gov

  Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Social Services

  About the Agency: The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

  As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

  • A Pension Program
  • Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
  • 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
  • 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)

  * Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)

  • 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
  • Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
  • 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
  • Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
  • Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
  • GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
  • 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
  • Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

  For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

  APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

  Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

  If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

  State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

  Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

  If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

  State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

  Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

  State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.

  The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

• About the company

  The Governor of Illinois is the chief executive of the State of Illinois, and the various agencies and departments over which the officer has jurisdiction, as prescribed in the state constitution.

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