Program Representative

Overview

Job

Requisition
Closing Date: 02/11/2026
Agency:
Department of Employment Security
Class

Title:

EMP SEC PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE (13650) Upward Mobility Program
Salary:
Anticipated starting salary $4,954 monthly;
Full range $4,954 – $6,894 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:
Full Time
County:
Champaign

Number of Vacancies : 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as a Program Representative. Responsibilities include providing services related to unemployment insurance benefits, such as determining unemployment insurance claims eligibility, and providing employment services. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who has a strong knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to employment and Unemployment Insurance (UI) eligibility and is dedicated to ensuring UI benefit accuracy.

The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational skills and experience assisting clients in an employment service program, social service program or related area providing employment, human resource development or social welfare services.

• Under general supervision, for an assigned area, serves as a Program Representative for the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
• Performs functions related to receipt, review, entry, analysis and resolution of all types of routine, complex and special claims on benefit entitlement programs administered by IDES
• Assists clients with various programs and services offered by IDES and partner agencies
• Adjudicates monetary and non-monetary benefit claim issues, providing eligibility determinations for routine, initial or continued claims
• Advises clients on work attitudes, habits, relationships and attire as related to a specific job referral
• Establishes and maintains activity reports to demonstrate work activity and detail time charging
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

• Requires knowledge, skills and mental development equivalent to four (4) years of college with academic background in social/behavioral sciences or business; OR
• Requires two (2) years (3,000 work hours) of experience as a department intermittent staff member and a minimum of two (2) years college credits completed with passing grades in social/behavioral sciences or business; OR
• Requires four (4) years (6,000 work hours) as a department intermittent staff member.

Qualifying state employees, in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this class.

• Requires an Illinois State Police background check and self-disclosure of any criminal history.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• This position is considered light work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(b)).
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Filing requirements under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act and related statements of economic interest are applicable.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security’s mission is to serve Illinois workers and employers to the best of our ability and to use our knowledge of the Illinois workforce to inform sound policy decision making. IDES encourages economic growth and stability in Illinois by providing vital Employment Services to Illinois residents and employers, analyzing and disseminating actionable Labor Market Information, and administering Unemployment Insurance programs.

Use the “Apply” button on this posting to begin the application process. State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees; non-State employees should log in via the options provided on the posting. The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your junk/spam folders for communications regarding submitted applications.