Family Advocate Specialist, School of Social Work

Family Advocate Specialist

Provider Assistance Training Hub (PATH)

School of Social Work

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Located Statewide in Illinois

Job Summary

Works with the Family and Peer Services Coordinator to train and support Family Peer Supporters in the Integrated Health Home model. Provides leadership, on-going coaching and support for Family Peer Support staff, provide oversight of fidelity to the family peer support model and serve as Subject Matter Expert for family peer support.

Duties & Responsibilities

Plan and deliver both web-based training, including questions and answers, and on-site trainings statewide for: 1) Systems of Care Family Support Training. 2) Associated monthly booster training for Family Peer Supporters.

Using various training, coaching and transfer of learning methodologies, the trainer will engage in person and by webinar with Care Coordination Service Organization to: 1) Effectively and strategically shares personal stories around systems navigation. 2) Assess agency-specific challenges and build strategies for effective implementation of Family Peer Support staff within the Care Coordination Service Organization. 3) Work in conjunction with the Systems of Care Coordinator and Family and Peer Supports Coordinator team to ensure providers are integrating SOC principles including family-driven care.

Develop training, including on-site training and web-based training on intermediate and advanced topics related to Family Peer Support. Provide feedback to Systems of Care Coordinator, Family and Peer Supports Coordinator and Workforce Development Team as Subject Matter Expert on Family Peer Support implementation efforts to guide future curriculum development and statewide support strategies.

Other duties as assigned. Some analysis of training effectiveness may be required. Travel may be necessary several days per week in order to effectuate training and coaching.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Statewide travel required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor''s degree. Parent or primary caregiver involved in the day-to-day care of a child or adolescent with emotional/behavioral health challenges. Experience successfully navigating two or more child-serving systems for child(ren) with emotional and/or behavioral challenges including but not limited to, mental health, public education, child welfare, juvenile/family court, and corrections. Experience with coaching, training, teaching, and/or public speaking. Complete Systems of Care certification within 120 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a peer support role to families that include children, adolescents, or transition-age youth with emotional/behavioral health challenges. Experience with wraparound services. Participation in support groups and/or advisory committees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of pertinent resources, including funding options, and how to access them. Fundamental knowledge of child and adolescent mental health disorders, treatments, services, and supports, including public service programs available to youth. General knowledge of parenting strategies and family dynamics. Knowledge of individual and systems advocacy approaches. Understand how to find information on child / parental rights as well as state / federal laws and regulations. Fundamental knowledge of special education and other services/accommodations available through the public education system. Fundamental knowledge of the wraparound process and principles. Knowledge of the current best practices for addressing challenging behavior. Knowledge of the impact of trauma on children, youth, and families. Knowledge of advocacy and strength-based interventions. Basic knowledge of conflict resolution methods. Knowledge of transition services, resources, and timelines. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Excellent communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Highly organized, able to work independently. Basic understanding of group facilitation techniques.

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 $55,000- $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. Hybrid and Remote 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

For full consideration applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 23, 2026. This is a multi-hire search. Interviews and hires may occur before the close date, however all applications received by the close date will receive full consideration. 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. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.edu . 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 accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1038522

Job Category: Education & Student Services

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