Lead Implementation Coach and Training Specialist, FISP

Lead Implementation Coach and Training Specialist, FISP

School of Social Work – Workforce Development

Located Statewide in Illinois

Job Summary
As a member of a specialized statewide child welfare training team, act as a liaison between the Field Implementation Support Program Management Team and Specialists / Technicians supporting the effective management of the program. Involves a range of supportive administrative tasks and responsibilities as assigned. Work collaboratively with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) and community partners to provide training, coaching, consultation and professional development to child welfare agency staff, supervisors, and managers. This includes but is not limited to providing both introductory awareness and post-training content reinforcement related to the Illinois Core Practice Model, effective leadership development and other key IDCFS initiatives. Facilitate and at times develop trainings, lead learning groups and provide ongoing field support to enhance the transfer of learning and reinforce application from the training environment to field operations.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the FISP Management team in the initiatives and objectives of the FISP program and serve as an intermediary between FISP Management and Specialist/Technician staff inclusive of participation in FISP Leadership meetings, communication with staff in support of leadership initiatives, provision of input in data analysis and strategic planning to enhance program outcomes, and participation in the onboarding of Specialist/Technicians. As assigned, participate in and represent the program in various office, division, IDCFS meetings and training conferences. Train, coach, mentor and professionally develop child welfare staff and leadership through individual coaching, group learning, and formal training on leadership and supervisory skills, and promote collaborative partnering with external child welfare community service providers, court personnel and collateral entities.
• Partner with child welfare staff, supervisors, managers, agency leadership and key stakeholders as assigned to complete gap analysis to assess areas of strength and opportunities for growth related to child welfare practice and support the development and implementation of practice enhancement plans. Provide child welfare field support, inclusive of conducting regular and frequent meetings with individuals and small cohorts within but not limited to a field office, agency or client residence. Field support will include coaching child welfare supervisors and managers to assess practice strengths and opportunities for improvement among their teams, application of programmatic frameworks and utilization of multiple methodologies including observations of practice and self-reflection tools aimed at individual and organizational outcome improvement. Complete and maintain progress notes and needs assessments; author and submit regular reports, assists with data collection, entry, and analysis.
• Facilitate training of trainers for child welfare practice and child welfare leadership related content, which is inclusive of coordination and preparation of the delivery of training and curriculum, train child welfare staff on the delivery of various curriculums, practice activities, facilitation styles, presentation and classroom management skills. Spearhead workgroups and special projects as assigned which would be inclusive of attending and coordinating various meetings, drafting and disseminating notes/reports and reporting out to staff and management, work in close collaboration with the Field Implementation Support Program Managers in the performance and assignment of these duties to be inclusive of curriculum design/development, content research, revisions and enhancements. Remain current regarding emerging trends, research findings, and best practices in relevant subject matters, incorporating new knowledge into program activities and initiatives.
• Utilize assigned IDCFS/University equipment (laptop, jetpack, copier/scanner, LCD projectors, presenters, smartboards, phones, and audio/video equipment), software programs, webinar and virtual platforms, various Microsoft Office products, Share Point, Excel, Qualtrics/Survey Monkey and D-Net appropriately and with proficiency as directed and required, utilize various training functions of the IDCFS Learning and Development Center online learning management system. Other related duties to further the mission of the unit as assigned.

Travel Requirements
Statewide travel is required.
Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with course work in Social Work, Psychology or other recognized professional degree in human services.
• Professional experience of five (5) or more years in a public-sponsored, agency-based child welfare setting within a state system or its community partner agencies, providing direct child welfare casework services including Intact Family Services, Permanency/Foster Care, Investigations/Child Protection, Integrated Assessment, Child Welfare curriculum-based training facilitation/management, or other comparable human service experience.
• Three (3) of those years must include responsibility for supervision of child welfare direct service staff and/or management of child welfare services or other comparable human services. Other leadership experience will be considered.
• Experience with applying learning methodologies, such as coaching, transfer of learning, group facilitation, motivational interviewing, training and curriculum development.
• Possession of an appropriate and current Illinois license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of effective leadership practices, organizational change management strategies and implementation science.
• Skilled in training, coaching and transfer of learning methodologies.
• Skilled in motivational interviewing, case study and clinical case presentation methodologies.
• Knowledgeable of established evidence-informed child welfare practices and clinical interventions related to trauma and child maltreatment within family systems.
• Knowledgeable of child and adolescent development, issues related to diagnosis and co-morbidity, and other behavioral health issues.
• Working knowledge of the Illinois Core Practice Model and family-centered, trauma-informed and strength-based practice application.
• Working knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion philosophy and practice.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, the ability to critically think and problem solve.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong professional writing skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes. The budgeted salary range for the position is $75,000- $76,900. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. Hybrid work options may be available for this position with the ability to be on-site as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, March 2, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Upload your cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references. For further information about this specific position, please contact [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions – every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence – where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].

Requisition ID: 1034519

Job Category: Professional and Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu