Overview
With approximately 16,000 students, NIU is one of the largest public universities in the state of Illinois. The Department of Psychology is committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all students, staff, and faculty. NIU’s geographical reach extends beyond its main DeKalb campus (65 miles west of downtown Chicago, 60 miles from O’Hare International Airport, and 40 miles west of Naperville) to satellite campuses and online programs. Illinois Department of Children and Family Services contracts with the Department of Psychology and employs staff across the state of Illinois; the unit is committed to enhancing outcomes for the children and families served.
Position Summary
The Early Childhood Court Team Program Director will oversee a multi-disciplinary staff, oversee program evaluation, development, and expansion with selected Family Court Systems in Illinois.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Administration
- Oversee employment conditions, responsibilities, and obligations; work with the NIU Director of DCFS Contracts on all personnel matters consistent with the University’s personnel policies and procedures.
- Directly supervise Early Childhood Court Team (ECCT) staff.
- Administer the Early Childhood Court Team (ECCT); provide leadership support and direction to programs that provide services to ECCT, identify service needs, develop provider resources, assist with program plans, and support monitoring efforts in conjunction with the IDCFS.
- Develop monitoring systems for the agencies collaborating with the ECCT to receive referrals and oversee the regular monitoring of service referrals in conjunction with the intervention manager.
- Work with agencies collaborating with the ECCT to implement adopted services and to address barriers to service delivery.
- Work with purveyors of the selected models of intervention used by agencies collaborating with the ECCT to address model fidelity and effectiveness.
Strategic Planning
- Creates and leads a coordinated program of activities designed to increase program objectives.
- Develops and executes strategies to involve internal/external constituents and cultivate new collaborations with individuals, corporations, institutions and/or foundations.
- Collaborates with the DCFS Deputy of Research and Child Well-Being and the NIU Director of DCFS contracts on ECCT program development.
Program Development
- Serve as a liaison to the ECCT Advisory Committee.
- Develop procedures for ECCT staff operations.
- Under the direction of the DCFS Deputy of Research and Child Well-Being and in collaboration with the NIU Director of DCFS contracts, manages the expansion of the ECCT into additional court systems.
- Collaborate with the DCFS Deputy of Research and Child Well-Being and the NIU Director of DCFS contracts to manage goals, objectives, outcome measurements and metrics, marketing strategies, and collaboration opportunities with other internal and external organizations.
- Manage the ongoing development and refinement of the project’s current and future curriculum and course offerings in consultation with subject matter experts.
- Provide leadership for planning, scheduling, delivering, and maintaining program(s).
- Ensure consistently high-quality standards across all partner programs.
Evaluation
- Coordinate with staff from partner organizations such as Integrated Assessment (IA), the Office of Training and Professional Development (OTPD), and the Erikson Early Childhood program to design and implement assessment procedures for the ECCT.
- Oversee development and implementation of evaluation processes, including quantitative and qualitative measurements, to ensure program benchmarks are attained and communicated timely.
- Manage evaluation processes; recommend and implement changes for enhancement; monitor effectiveness through follow-up studies.
Qualifications
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (SPS)
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Social Work or other recognized professional degree in human services.
- State licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).
- Professional experience of five (5) or more years in a public-sponsored, direct child welfare/mental health services, including child welfare Intake, Intact Family Services, Permanency/Foster Care Services.
- Direct supervisory experience of child welfare direct service staff and/or management of child welfare services.
- Experience in the utilization and implementation of evidence-informed practices in child welfare environments.
- Experience in the training of staff.
Preferred Qualifications (SPS)
- Experience in trauma-informed practice with young children.
- Knowledge of child welfare practice.
- Knowledge of system development.
- Ability to type on a keyboard approximately 20 words per minute.
- Ability to use a computer.
Appointment and Compensation Details
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 10/01/2025
Anticipated Appointment End Date:
Percent of Staff Year: 1.00
Standard Hours Per Week: 37.50
Working Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 PM and two evenings a week.
- Cover Letter – Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences position you for success in the role for which you are applying.
- Current Resume
- List of Three Professional References
- Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts will be required within 30 days of start date).
Applications submitted after 9/10/2025 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.
EEO and Legal: NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications. NIU will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.
The following is designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator, Health Services Building Room 230, TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu, 815-753-5560.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification documentation upon hire.
ADA Accommodation: NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Applicants may request accommodations through the Accommodation Request Form. For assistance, contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.
Supplemental Questions
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