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Under the direction of the DCFS Director of the Office of Research and Child Well-Being, the Skill Advancement Coach provides structured, skill-based coaching to supervisors and other staff across DCFS/CWCA. This role strengthens supervisory capacity, improves team performance, and promotes alignment with DCFS values, well-being goals, and implementation science principles. The coach supports supervisors in applying trauma-informed, family-centered, evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches, translating strategic leadership into actionable development plans.

Coaching and Skill Development

• Provide individual and group coaching to supervisors and other targeted audiences, focusing on leadership, communication, reflective practice, and problem-solving skills
• Support supervisors and other assigned staff in applying trauma-informed, family-centered, and evidence-informed practices with their teams
• Develop and implement coaching plans based on observed supervisory and targeted audiences’ strengths, skill gaps, and professional development goals
• Monitor and track progress toward leadership development objectives, adjusting coaching strategies as needed

Reflective Practice and Mentorship

• Provide reflective support to supervisors and other assigned staff, helping them improve decision-making, team management, and staff development practices
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, feedback, and accountability among supervisory and other staff

Education and Transferring Skills

• Ensure supervisors and staff are equipped to coach and guidance to their teams effectively
• Identify ongoing professional development needs for supervisors and other assigned staff, and recommend resources or learning opportunities

Program Alignment and Collaboration

• Collaborate with ORCW leadership and program teams to ensure coaching aligns with DCFS vision, well-being goals, and implementation science practices
• Support integration of coaching into DCFS designated program initiatives, including EBI/EII implementation and strategies

Evaluation and CQI

• Collect and analyze outcomes of supervisory and assigned staff coaching to assess impact on supervisory effectiveness and team performance
• Contribute to CQI processes, recommending improvements to coaching strategies and support systems

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field.
2. Three (3) years of experience in child welfare (case work, supervision, mental health treatment provision to families involved in child welfare, work associated with child welfare), or related fields. A Masters Degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience in child welfare. A clinical license (LCP, LSW, LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, Clinical Psychology) can substitute for two (2) years of experience.

For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/94159 to submit the following materials by 8/13/2026:

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)

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois. Positions are available statewide. Staff work from home, with some regional travel to conduct interviews, assessments and other work as needed.