Early Childhood Grant Program Specialist (SOCIAL SERV PROGRAM PLANNER IV)

Early Childhood Grant Program Specialist (SOCIAL SERV PROGRAM PLANNER IV) We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome. Reasonable Accommodation Statement The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application. Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation. Position Overview The Early Childhood Grant Program Specialist supports the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) in advancing high‑quality early childhood education and care across the state. This role is responsible for reviewing program content, analyzing data, managing grant‑related activities, and collaborating with internal and external partners to strengthen IDEC’s Early Childhood Block Grant initiatives. Benefits Health, life, vision, and dental insurance Paid parental leave Pension Plan Deferred Compensation, and other pre‑tax benefit programs Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service) Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro‑rated based on start date) (13-14) paid state holidays annually Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/2026) $7,602 monthly; Full Range $7,602 - $11,110 monthly. Agency: Department of Early Childhood Essential Functions Serves as the Early Childhood Grant Program Specialist for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). Conducts content reviews and data analysis to improve IDEC initiatives related to the agency’s Early Childhood Block Grant programs. Manages grants and contracts, including developing program deliverables, providing guidance on program direction, supporting programs, and managing needed contracting or budgetary functions for federal and/or state grants. Facilitates and/or represents IDEC at internal and/or external workgroups, advisory councils, meetings, retreats, forums, and conferences relevant to early childhood education and care programs. Participates in training as necessary to strengthen both staff and the Division. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Specialized Skills Requires two (2) years of professional experience working in the field of early childhood. Requires two (2) years of professional experience working with early childhood block grant programs within the past 5 years (2021-2026) and implementing early childhood education initiatives for a public entity. Minimum Qualifications Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of a master’s degree. Requires two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in community organization, social service work or in program planning and development. Preferred Qualifications Two (2) years of professional experience working in the field of early childhood. Two (2) years of professional experience working with early childhood block grant programs within the past 5 years (2021-2026) and implementing early childhood education initiatives for a public entity. Two (2) years of professional experience in the development and implementation of programs related to Preschool for All or a similar initiative. Two (2) years of professional experience developing, implementing, and/or evaluating new and revised methods, procedures, and performance standards for early childhood education and care that adhere to state and/or federal mandates. Two (2) years of professional experience in collecting, analyzing, and/or overseeing multifaceted data to track performance and outcomes for service delivery enhancements at a public or private organization. Prefers the ability to communicate orally and in writing and the ability to research and critically analyze potential issues. Conditions of Employment Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police. Requires ability to use state issued equipment, such as a cell phone, laptop, etc. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last‑minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends. Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non‑State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non‑State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine. Requires basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive. #J-18808-Ljbffr State-of-Illinois