Receptionist (Program Specialist I #667)

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

Job summary

A government education department in Springfield is looking for an administrative support staff member to manage program information and assist participants. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, one year of relevant experience, and strong skills in Microsoft Word and Excel. Responsibilities include phone coverage, data entry, and maintaining program databases. This position offers a salary range of $38,471 - $63,050 and promotes a culture of inclusion in education.

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.

Responsibilities

• Provides appropriate phone coverage for the department and mail sorting.
• Responds to general program information questions from program participants.
• Assists in resolving application general errors and omissions.
• Enters program application and contract data into the electronic application system.
• Maintains assigned program and specific grant program information and databases.
• Provides general program and administrative support.

Job description

Location: Springfield

Union: AFSCME

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

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

Posted Date: March 23, 2026

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.

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.