Skill Advancement Coach - Child Welfare (4002)

Northern Valley Indian Health

DeKalb (IL)

Hybrid

USD 60,000 - 90,000

Full time

21 hours ago

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Job summary

Northern Illinois University seeks a Skill Advancement Coach to provide structured coaching to DCFS staff, strengthening supervisory capacity and aligning with trauma‑informed, family‑centered approaches and evidence‑informed practices.

The role emphasizes developing and implementing coaching plans, tracking progress, and collaborating with program leaders to support strategic well‑being goals and implementation science principles.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field.
Three (3) years of experience in child welfare (case work, supervision, mental health treatment provision to families involved in child welfare, work associated with child welfare). A Masters Degree can substitute for one year of experience.
A clinical license (LCP, LSW, LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, Clinical Psychology) can substitute for two years of experience.

Responsibilities

Coaching and Skill Development: provide coaching to supervisors and staff focusing on leadership, communication, reflective practice, and problem solving.
Reflective Practice and Mentorship: provide reflective support to improve decision‑making and staff development.
Education and Transferring Skills: ensure supervisors are equipped to coach teams effectively.
Program Alignment and Collaboration: ensure coaching aligns with DCFS vision and initiatives such as EBI/EII.
Evaluation and CQI: collect outcomes to assess impact and suggest improvements.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field

Master’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field

Job description

Find your Career at Northern Illinois University!

Skill Advancement Coach - Child Welfare (4002) - Hiring Multiple Positions

Working Position Title Skill Advancement Coach - Child Welfare (4002) - Hiring Multiple Positions

Classification

Classification Specialist

Position Number

Position Number 00004002

Open Date

Open Date 07/23/2026

Close Date

Priority Review Date

Priority Review Date 08/13/2026

Employee Class

Employee Class Staff

Full-Time/Part Time

Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE

FTE 1.00

Position Status

Position Status Temporary

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Job code

Job code 1650SPS04

Union Representation

Union Representation Non-Union

Union Code

Union Code N/A

Unit/Department

College/Unit

College/Unit College of LA&S Dean

Division

Division Academic Division

Location

Location PM 409

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Skill Advancement Coaching (SAC) Program supports the Child and Family Service Plan (CFSP), the SAFE Model, and the coaching fidelity model. Northern Illinois University will provide implementation and coaching support to DCFS for the Skill Advancement Coaching Program.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the DCFS Director of the Office of Research and Child Well-Being, the Skill Advancement Coach provides structured, skill-based coaching to supervisors and other staff across DCFS / CWCA . This role strengthens supervisory capacity, improves team performance, and promotes alignment with DCFS values, well-being goals, and implementation science principles. The coach supports supervisors in applying trauma-informed, family-centered, evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches, translating strategic leadership into actionable development plans.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Coaching and Skill Development

Provide individual and group coaching to supervisors and other targeted audiences, focusing on leadership, communication, reflective practice, and problem-solving skills
Support supervisors and other assigned staff in applying trauma-informed, family-centered, and evidence-informed practices with their teams
Develop and implement coaching plans based on observed supervisory and targeted audiences’ strengths, skill gaps, and professional development goals
Monitor and track progress toward leadership development objectives, adjusting coaching strategies as needed

Reflective Practice and Mentorship

Provide reflective support to supervisors and other assigned staff, helping them improve decision-making, team management, and staff development practices
Foster a culture of continuous learning, feedback, and accountability among supervisory and other staff

Education and Transferring Skills

Ensure supervisors and staff are equipped to coach and guidance to their teams effectively
Identify ongoing professional development needs for supervisors and other assigned staff, and recommend resources or learning opportunities

Program Alignment and Collaboration

Collaborate with ORCW leadership and program teams to ensure coaching aligns with DCFS vision, well-being goals, and implementation science practices
Support integration of coaching into DCFS designated program initiatives, including EBI / EII implementation and strategies

Evaluation and CQI

Collect and analyze outcomes of supervisory and assigned staff coaching to assess impact on supervisory effectiveness and team performanceContribute to CQI processes, recommending improvements to coaching strategies and support systems

Other Duties as Assigned

Performs other related duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

n/a

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

n/a

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

n/a

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

n/a

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field.
Three (3) years of experience in child welfare (case work, supervision, mental health treatment provision to families involved in child welfare, work associated with child welfare), or related fields. A Masters Degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience in child welfare. A clinical license ( LCP , LSW , LCPC , LCSW , LMFT , Clinical Psychology) can substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Additional Requirements (SPS)

None

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

Master’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field.
Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Psychologist.
One (1) year of experience providing staff development, coaching, mentoring, training, or leadership development.
One (1) year of experience supervising others in a clinical or child welfare setting.
Two (2) years of experience conducting counseling, psychotherapy, or assessments for families involved with IDCFS .
Certification in Motivational Interviewing.
One (1) year of experience working with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
One (1) year of experience working as an IDCFS Investigator.
One (1) year of experience working as a Permanency Worker.
Child Welfare Employee License.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 9/16/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Anticipated Appointment End Date 06/30/2027

Percent of Staff Year

Percent of Staff Year 1.00

Standard Hours Per Week 37.50

Working Hours

Working Hours 8:30 am to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday, one-hour lunch

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 8/13/2026 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the 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 document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .