State of Illinois

SUBSTANCE USE & RECOVERY SPECIALTY ADMINISTRATOR

State of Illinois$108K — $132K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in social work or a related human services field.
  • Minimum of three years of administrative experience in child welfare with MSW, or four years with a related master's degree.
  • Three years of direct experience in the treatment or prevention of substance use disorders (preferred).
  • Three years of management experience in public/private substance use recovery programs (preferred).
  • Experience supervising professional social work staff in a public or private organization (preferred).

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the development and monitoring of substance use disorder services for children and families.
  • Act as the primary liaison with private entities and other agencies regarding SUD services.
  • Provide oversight of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Intergovernmental Agreement.
  • Supervise subordinate professional staff effectively and efficiently.
  • Conduct research and analysis to aid senior management in community service design for client planning.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal laws in substance abuse policies and procedures.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Pension Program.
  • Health, Life, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
  • Generous Paid Time Off including 10-25 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays annually.
  • Flexible work schedules and the option for 12 weeks paid parental leave.
  • Eligibility for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full Job Description
Job Requisition ID: 56783
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: 07/01/2026
Agency:Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015
Skill Option: Health and Human Services
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,000 to $11,000 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

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.

IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU UPLOAD COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS AND RESUME.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Statewide Administrator of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Programs. Under administrative direction, this position will plan, develop, and monitor the SUD service system for children and families served by the Department. The position will develop and implement statewide policies and procedures related to substance abuse prevention and treatment/recovery, reviewing to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. The position will also serve as primary Departmental representative with private entities and other state, federal, and local agencies providing SUD services to children and families serviced by the Department. This position will serve as full line supervisor of subordinate professional staff and will provide research, analysis, and interpretation to senior management in the design and tactical application of community-based services to client service planning and decision making. This position is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in ensuring the effective provision of SUD services to children and families. DCFS offers a competitive salary plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills, leadership capabilities, and the ability to multi-task. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families.

Essential Functions

  • Serves as Substance Use and Recovery Specialty Administrator.
  • Serves as primary liaison and Departmental representative with private entities and other state, federal, and local agencies providing SUD services to children and families served by the Department.
  • Provides oversight of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Intergovernmental Agreement.
  • Serves as full line supervisor.
  • Serves as liaison with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) regarding substance use disorder issues, abuse issues, policy development, and other interagency activities.
  • Provides research, analysis, and interpretation to senior management in the design and tactical application of community-based services to client service planning and decision making.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires a master's degree in social work or a master's degree in an acceptable human services field.
  • Requires three years of administrative child welfare experience with an MSW or four years of administrative child welfare experience with a master's degree in a related human services field.


Preferred Qualifications

  • 3 years of professional experience working directly in the treatment or prevention of substance use disorders.
  • 3 years of professional experience managing or conducting a substance use prevention and recovery program in a public or private organization.
  • 3 years of professional experience managing or conducting child welfare or clinical service programs in a public or private organization.
  • 3 years of professional experience providing oversight of project monitoring services in a public or private organization.
  • 3 years of experience supervising professional social work staff in a public or private organization.
  • 3 years of professional experience conducting quality review in a public or private organization.
  • 3 years of professional experience serving in a liaison capacity for a public or private organization.


Conditions of Employment

  • Requires ability to pass a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
  • Requires travel, a valid driver's license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.
  • 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.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:
  • A Pension Program
  • Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
  • 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
  • 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
    • Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
  • 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
  • Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
  • 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
  • Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
  • Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
  • GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
  • 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
  • Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Work Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Headquarter Location: 1 N Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, Illinois, 62701
Work County: Sangamon
Supervisor: B. Landwehr

Agency Contact: Janet Potts

Email

Posting Group: Social Services

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:

About State of Illinois

The name "Illinois" comes from a Native American word meaning "tribe of superior men." Louis Joliet and Father Marquette were the first Europeans to arrive in Illinois in 1673. Illinois became a state on December 3, 1818 and was the 21st state to enter the Union. The state motto is "State Sovereignty, National Union." Illinois is the fifth most populous state in the country with almost 12.9 million people. Abraham Lincoln and three other U.S. Presidents have called Illinois home, including Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. The General Assembly adopted the state slogan, "Land of Lincoln" in 1955. Springfield is the state capital and home to more Abraham Lincoln sites than any other place in the United States, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, and Lincoln-Herndon Law Office.

State of Illinois Careers

Join the dedicated team at the State of Illinois and discover a wealth of job opportunities where professional growth and innovation are at the forefront of its mission. The State of Illinois is renowned for its commitment to excellence and diversity, offering careers that cater to a variety of skills and interests.

Work You’ll Do

At the State of Illinois, every position contributes to the betterment of its community and the nation. Whether it's through leadership roles or entry-level positions, the impact of your work will be felt across various sectors. The State provides a platform where skills are honed, and professional aspirations are nurtured.

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Innovation is key in the operations at the State of Illinois. Employees are encouraged to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, driving the State towards efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

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The State of Illinois is committed to the professional development of its team. With access to diverse training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, employees are well-equipped to ascend in their careers.

Benefits and Culture

The employment experience at the State of Illinois is enhanced by its inclusive culture and comprehensive benefits package. The State values the well-being and satisfaction of its team, ensuring a supportive and positive work environment.

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Networking within the State of Illinois can significantly enhance career trajectories. Employees have numerous opportunities to connect with leaders and peers through various events and professional groups, fostering a community of collaboration and support.

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The State of Illinois is continuously hiring new talent. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. The hiring process at the State of Illinois is transparent and thorough, ensuring that the best candidates are selected for the right positions. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a team that values hard work and dedication.

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