Receptionist (Program Specialist I #667)

Illinois State Board of Education; Illinois; On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State Board of Education is seeking a Receptionist (Program Specialist I) to provide front-desk coverage in Springfield and support the Nutrition department with data entry and administrative tasks.

The role requires strong phone and organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently or in a team. The position is governed by AFSCME and follows standard office hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of progressively responsible secretarial or programmatic experience involving multi‑line phone systems, filing, and computer work.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Provides appropriate phone coverage for the department and mail sorting, including screening calls and routing to appropriate program area.
• Serves as back‑up phone assistance for the center.
• Responds to general program information questions from program participants.
• Performs follow‑up calls with program participants needing to meet program deadlines.
• Assists in resolving Web‑Based Illinois Nutrition System (WINS) application general errors and omissions.
• Enters program application and contract data into the electronic application system for approval.
• Collects, compiles, and maintains assigned program and specific grant program information and databases for the child nutrition programs using the specific tracking system for each.
• Provides general program and administrative support including, but not limited to, maintaining databases; collecting, compiling, and maintaining program files; tracking program and grant application and claiming information; and preparing outgoing mail and certified correspondence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Telephone skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Office procedures

Data entry

Education

High school diploma

Some college

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position: Receptionist (Program Specialist I #667)

Inventory #: 667

Location: Springfield

Union: AFSCME

Department: Nutrition

Starting Salary: $3,302.08

Full Salary Range: $39,625 - $64,941

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

Posted Date: March 23, 2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Reporting to the Director, performs general program, administrative support, or specialized support tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides appropriate phone coverage for the department and mail sorting, including screening calls and routing to appropriate program area.
• Serves as back‑up phone assistance for the center.
• Responds to general program information questions from program participants.
• Performs follow‑up calls with program participants needing to meet program deadlines.
• Assists in resolving Web‑Based Illinois Nutrition System (WINS) application general errors and omissions.
• Enters program application and contract data into the electronic application system for approval.
• Collects, compiles, and maintains assigned program and specific grant program information and databases for the child nutrition programs using the specific tracking system for each.
• Provides general program and administrative support including, but not limited to, maintaining databases; collecting, compiling, and maintaining program files; tracking program and grant application and claiming information; and preparing outgoing mail and certified correspondence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of progressively responsible secretarial or programmatic experience involving multi‑line phone systems, filing, and computer work.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent telephone and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college or technical training.