Program Specialist I (Program Specialist I #558)

Illinois State Board of Education; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 38,471 - 63,050; Full time

Job summary

A state education agency is seeking a Program Specialist I to provide administrative support within the department. Candidates must have a high school diploma and two years of office experience. Responsibilities include assisting staff, handling correspondence, and providing information to the public. Strong communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word are essential. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to educational programs in Illinois.

Qualifications

• Two years of secretarial or programmatic experience in an office setting.
• Experience using a multi-line phone system.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform administrative support services for staff and programs.
• Serve as back-up receptionist providing information to the public.
• Handle incoming calls and direct them to appropriate staff.

Skills

Typing

Communication skills

Data entry

Customer service

Proficient in Microsoft Word

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college or technical training

Job description

Position: Program Specialist I (Program Specialist I #558)

Location: Springfield or Chicago

Union: AFSCME

Department: Special Education

Full Salary Range: $38,471 - $63,050

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Posted Date: November 19, 2025

Reporting and Role Overview

Reporting to the Supervisor, is responsible for clerical functions in the department. Provides support to staff responsible for the administration of the focused monitoring system; serves as the back‑up receptionist.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs administrative support services and functions to assist Principal Consultants responsible for differentiated monitoring and support programs, including preparing and maintaining adequate materials; assisting with correspondence including data entry, printing and mailing letters to the appropriate parties; maintaining a filing system; and maintaining and completing Management Information Database Accounting System (MIDAS) functions associated with these programs.
• Serves as the back‑up general receptionist providing non‑technical information and assistance in person and by telephone to parents, school district personnel, other agencies and the general public.
• Answers and directs incoming calls to appropriate staff, takes messages and refers calls or requests to others.
• Performs administrative support services and functions to assist staff in other division program areas as needed (i.e., contracts/grants, heat tickets, itineraries, etc.) including data entry, printing and mailing letters, maintaining files, etc.
• Performs back‑up administrative support including time‑keeping, and functions to assist Principal Consultants responsible for the administration of the Educational Surrogate Parent Programs, including preparing and maintaining adequate materials, assisting with correspondence including printing and mailing letters to the appropriate parties, and maintaining the filing system.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of secretarial or programmatic experience in an office setting involving typing, filing, and computer work.
• Experience using a multi‑line phone system.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Working knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word.
• Excellent telephone and communication skills.
• Ability to understand the nature of verbal requests and direct the caller to the appropriate resource.
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor when handling difficult or angry clients.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college or technical training.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ISBE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We actively foster a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Illinois has an urgent and collective responsibility to achieve educational equity by ensuring that all policies, programs, and practices affirm the strengths that each and every child brings within their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and by delivering the comprehensive supports, programs, and educational opportunities they need to succeed.