Implementation Support Specialist (3625)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Implementation Support Specialist (3625) Classification Coordinator Position Number 00003625 Open Date 03/05/2026 Close Date Priority Review Date 04/02/2026 Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job code 1240SPS03 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Psychology College/Unit College of LA&S Dean Division Academic Division Location PM 409 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.niu.edu/clas/psychology/index.shtml

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

With approximately 16,000 students, NIU is one of the largest public universities in the state of Illinois. The Department of Psychology is committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environments for all of our students, staff, and faculty. NIU's geographical reach extends beyond its main DeKalb campus (65 miles west of downtown Chicago, 60 miles from the O'Hare International Airport, and 40 miles west of Naperville - a booming community with one of the best school systems in the nation.) to satellite campuses in Naperville, Rockford, and Chicago as well as to students online.

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services contracts with the Department of Psychology employs 97 staff across the state of Illinois and is committed to enhancing outcomes for the children and families served.

Position Summary

Under the leadership of the Deputy of the Office of Research and Child Well-Being, the Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) Implementation Support Specialist (ISS) reports to the IPS Manager and provides direct technical assistance to ensure successful program implementation across DCFS regions. Using implementation science and healing-centered engagement strategies, this role supports fidelity to IPS interventions, builds staff and partner capacity, and ensures that youth and caregiver voice shape implementation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Implementation Support - 50%

• Provide implementation support for the roll-out of new contracts
• Provides hands-on support to DCFS staff and partners, including caregivers, when needed, in implementing IPS interventions
• Identify barriers to implementation and co-develop solutions
• Complete program monitoring for assigned contracts

Training, Coaching and Technical Assistance - 20%

• Monitor the completion and application of ARC, trauma-informed, and other practice trainings
• Provide reflective coaching to staff and providers
• Support integration of IPS practices into daily operations

Partner Collaboration - 15%

• Facilitate feedback loops with individuals with lived experience (including youth and caregivers), and providers
• Strengthen collaboration between DCFS/CWCA, community providers, caregivers, and others

Data-Informed Adaptions - 10%

• Apply CQI findings to frontline implementation
• Support the use of evidence and lived experience feedback to refine practices

Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

• Provides assistance to special projects as requested by DCFS and NIU
• Completes tasks requested by DCFS and NIU

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

n/a

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

n/a

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

n/a

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

n/a

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, public administration, education, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in child welfare, human services, or implementation support.

Additional Requirements (SPS)

• Knowledge in applying implementation science, and workforce capacity-building strategies.

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Masters degree in social service or related field.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience.
• Experience working within state government, or federal government.
• Experience with program implementation.
• Experience utilizing coaching practices in a professional work setting.

Physical demands/requirements

• The position requires the ability to use a computer.
• This position requires the person to be able to travel to necessary meetings.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date May 1, 2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 PM, one-hour lunch Salary $66,950.16 annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,789.59 semi-monthly Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/90681 to submit the following materials by4/2/2026:

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter - Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences position you for success in the role for which you are applying.
• Current Resume
• List of Three Professional References
• Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts will be required within 30 days of start date).

Applications submitted after4/2/2026 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/90681 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).