Salary: $6,371.66 - $7,008.83 Monthly
Location : Springfield, IL
Job Type: Civil Service
Job Number: 2401231
Department: Psychiatry-SMS
Division: Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center
Opening Date: 07/25/2025
Closing Date: 8/4/2025 2:00 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented
Shift: Days
ExemptorNon_Exempt: Exempt

Description
Under the general direction of the Executive Director of the Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC), the Program Director - Early Career Programs plays a key leadership role in building the pathway of future professionals in behavioral health. This position is responsible for planning and implementing evidence-based early career programs that can be supported throughout the state of Illinois. This position leads the development and piloting of a statewide behavioral health career model, coordinates partnerships with school districts, creates tools for schools to adopt, provides training, and promotes synergy and alignment with the Behavioral Health Workforce Center strategic plan.
SIU School of Medicine does not participate in the E-Verify program. Employment eligibility will be verified in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Examples of Duties
Administration - 90%

1. Exercise direct authority for the planning, development, administration, operation, and management of work associated with early career behavioral health programs.
2. Design and implement pilot initiatives, including development and deployment of a behavioral health career exploration toolkit for high schools.
3. Assist in creating, interpreting, developing and implementing policies and procedures for BHWC staff.
4. Prepare and manage short-term and long-term strategic, organizational, and budgetary planning.
5. Plan and deliver training to school-based career coaches and counselors on behavioral health career paths, tools, and resources.
6. Provide expert knowledge of behavioral health systems, workforce challenges, and education pathways to inform program strategy and outreach.
7. Analyze traditional and nontraditional educational career pathways and behavioral health trends to identify gaps, measure program impact, and support continuous improvement.
8. Build and sustain partnerships and serve as the primary liaison with K-12 school districts, career and technical education programs, state education departments, and behavioral health providers.
9. Collaborate with internal staff and external stakeholders to ensure programs align with BHWC goals and emerging workforce needs.
10. Develop an advisory committee/youth council to assist in planning and developing career awareness programs.
11. Represent BHWC in external meetings, conferences, and initiatives relate to early career development and behavioral workforce planning.
12. Oversee daily program operations, ensuring effective communication, coordination, documentation, and tracking of key milestones.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

Research - 10%

1. Support the Executive Director with policy research, data-informed advocacy materials, and participation in statewide workgroups or coalitions, and overall program development.
2. Research existing career awareness programs and identify best practice models.
3. Research and develop data collection tools and resources, as needed.

Qualifications
Minimum qualifications
1.Bachelor's degree in education, public health, psychology, social work, public administration, or a related field.
2.Three (3) or more years of relevant experience in education, behavioral health, workforce
development, or program leadership.
* Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.

Desirable Qualifications
1.Master's degree in education, public health, psychology, social work, public administration, or a related field.
2.Demonstrated ability to plan and lead cross-sector initiatives with schools and community partners.
3.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing training materials or policy briefs.
4.Familiarity with behavioral health career pathways, K-12 systems, and early talent.
5.Demonstrated experiences managing trainings programs within a university, business, or healthcare setting.
Supplemental Information
If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at or call 217-545-0223 Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community.

The SIU School of Medicine Annual Security Report is available online at This report contains policy statements and crime statistics for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. This report is published in compliance with Federal Law titled the
"Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act."

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer who provides equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law.

Pre-employment background screenings required.
Paid time off: Includes 12 paid holidays per year. Accrual rates vary based on employment type and years of service

Paid sick time: Use for personal illness, doctor visits, or if your immediate family members fall ill

Health, Dental, and Life insurance

Optional life insurance: Your spouse and dependents can enroll in State term life and university-sponsored term life insurance.

Prescription: Plan participants enrolled in any state health plan have prescription drug benefits included in the coverage.

Long-term Disability Insurance

Flexible spending accounts: Optional, IRS tax-favored program that enables you to stretch medical expenses and dependent care dollars

Voluntary retirement accounts: Optional plans include the State of Illinois Deferred Compensation Plan (457) and Tax Deferred Annuity (403b).

Tuition Waiver/Tuition Reimbursement: Continue your graduate or undergraduate education with the help of tuition waivers or tuition reimbursement

Leaves of absence: Includes FMLA and Extended Sick Leave Benefits for qualified employees

Employee Assistance Program: Access free and confidential support, including counseling services, and information during difficult times

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