Staff Assistant

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Staff Assistant to the Manager of Central and Southern Regional Contract Administration.  Under administrative direction, this position will provide input into the planning, development, and implementation of policies and programs impacting contract operations.  The position will serve as liaison between the Manager and professional and support staff.  The position will also conduct special projects related to division programs and represent the Manager at various meetings.  This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is detail oriented and interested in playing a supportive role in the agency’s operations.  DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program.  The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership and communication capabilities.  We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Serves as high level confidential staff assistant to the Manager of Central and Southern Regional Contract Administration.
• Serves as liaison between the Manager and professional and support staff, and performs liaison work between agencies and representatives of private organizations.
• Conducts special projects related to division programs, which require interaction with executive and administrative staff, community service providers, elected officials, and the general public.
• Drives or travels to represent the Manager at meetings with Department administrative staff, other agencies, community service providers, and the general public.
• Researches, gathers, and analyzes detailed information, and prepares responses to communications on behalf of the Manager.
• Oversees the compilation and preparation of monthly status reports and maintenance of appropriate records and files.
• Serves as liaison for Regional Contracts team employee performance evaluations and performance/discipline issues.
• Serves as timekeeper.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, preferably with courses in public or business administration.
• Requires two years of professional experience in a public or private organization, or satisfactory completion of an agency approved professional management training program.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of professional experience as an administrative assistant in a public or business organization.
• 3 years of professional experience serving as a liaison for a public or business organization.
• 3 years of professional experience conducting special projects in a public or business organization.
• 3 years of professional experience conducting research in a public or business organization.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass a background check.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children.  Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families.  In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus.