Gold Star Family Support Specialist / Advisor (Southern Illinois) Personal Service Contract

Job Requisition ID: 57001Opening Date: Closing Date: Agency: Department of Veterans' AffairsClass Title: CONTRACTUAL WORKER - 10000 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: $45 -55/hour (Approximately 300 hours annually; ~5-15 hours/week average)Job Type: HourlyCategory: Part TimeCounty: Sangamon; PerryNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: NoneMerit Comp Code: A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one. Personal Services Contract Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.Position Overview The Gold Star Family Support Specialist / Advisor will serve as a trusted, knowledgeable, and compassionate resource supporting Gold Star Families across Southern Illinois. This role requires extensive military knowledge, strong familiarity with Illinois-based veteran and survivor communities and demonstrated experience working directly with Gold Star Families. The ideal candidate brings lived or closely connected experience within the Gold Star Family community, understands its unique needs, and has established relationships within veteran service organizations and regional networks. This individual will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing Gold Star Family-focused events, particularly those associated with the Du Quoin State Fair, while supporting broader outreach and engagement efforts in partnership with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.Essential Functions Build and maintain trusted relationships with Gold Star Families throughout Southern Illinois. Assist the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs in planning, organizing, and supporting all Gold Star Family events associated with the Du Quoin State Fair. Engage and coordinate with past and prospective vendors for the Veterans Vendor Fair at the Du Quoin State Fair. Participate in veteran outreach events, planning meetings, and community engagements throughout Southern Illinois. Organize and lead After Action Review (AAR) meetings following major events in the Southern Illinois region. Maintain accurate and confidential records of outreach, event planning, and engagement activities. Perform other related duties as assigned in support of Gold Star Families and associated programs. Minimum Qualifications Requires demonstrated experience working with Illinois Gold Star Families, particularly in Southern Illinois. Requires extensive knowledge of military culture, structure, and survivor benefits. Requires strong familiarity with veteran service organizations and the broader veteran community in Southern Illinois. Requires proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute events and community initiatives. Requires high degree of emotional intelligence, empathy, and discretion when working with grieving families. Requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Preferred Qualifications Prefers lived experience as a member of a Gold Star Family, with prior participation in community events or support networks. Prefers prior experience working with or alongside the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs or similar state agencies. Prefers established relationships with regional veteran service organizations, community leaders, and Gold Star Family networks in Southern Illinois. Prefers direct experience supporting or coordinating events at the Du Quoin State Fair or similar large-scale public events. Prefers background in nonprofit, government, or military-affiliated program coordination or outreach. Prefers experience recruiting, managing, or coordinating volunteers. Prefers familiarity with planning and facilitating After Action Reviews (AARs) or program evaluations. Prefers experience developing event materials such as programs, scripts, agendas, and briefing documents. Conditions of Employment Requires the ability to pass a background check. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid drivers license. Requires the use of an agency supplied cell phone and laptop. 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 The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is a state agency designed to empower veterans and their families to thrive. We do this by assisting them in navigating the system of federal, state, and local resources and benefits, providing long-term health care for eligible veterans in our Veterans’ Homes and partnering with other agencies and non-profits to help veterans address education, mental health, housing, employment, and other challenges. A career with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides a rewarding and challenging opportunity for individuals. Working together, we create partnerships and experiences that engage and inspire our fellow co-workers and the veterans and their family members that we serve every day.​Work Hours: ~5-15 hours/week average, approximately 300 hours annually; with increased hours during peak event periods such as state fairs.Headquarter Location: 833 S Spring St, Springfield, Illinois, 62704Work County: Sangamon (Primary), and Perry. Serves Gold Star Families throughout Southern Illinois, including but not limited to Southern Illinois, and surrounding counties. Agency Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io Group: Social Services; Office & Administrative Support The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: View email address on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io