Education Advisor (4835) Decatur, IL - Extended

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Working Position Title Education Advisor (4835) Decatur, IL
- Extended

Classification

Classification Program Services Specialist

Position Number

Position Number

Open Date

Open Date 07/29/2026

Close Date

Close Date 08/19/2026

Priority Review Date

Employee Class

Employee Class Staff

Full-Time/Part Time

Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE

FTE 1.00

Position Status

Position Status Regular

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Job code

Job code 4774

Union Representation

Union Representation Non-Union

Union Code

Union Code N/A

Unit/Department

Unit/Department Ctr Child Welfare & Education

College/Unit

College/Unit P20 Initiatives Network

Division

Location

Location HS

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Center for Child Welfare and Education ( CCWE ) at NIU , an Illinois Board of Higher Education ( IBHE ) center, promotes equity by connecting the university, state government, communities, and families. CCWE advances better outcomes for vulnerable populations through policy development, services that foster educational success, and stable family structures. CCWE also trains educators and social workers to improve equitable service delivery and provides data to help youth and families access opportunities to succeed.

The Decatur/Springfield, IL Program Services Specialist position will support the Department of Children and Family Services( DCFS ) Decatur/Springfield Regional Office and children in foster care attending school in this area, furthering CCWE’s mission to improve well-being and outcomes for vulnerable families.

Position Summary

This position will be working out of Decatur-Springfield, IL.The Education Advisor provides problem resolution, subject matter expertise, advocacy, and guidance for educational wellbeing of children and youth in foster care (youth in care). The education advisor possesses extensive knowledge and skills that help youth navigate the complex network of education (general, special and post-secondary) and child welfare. The education advisor also serves as education resource for youth in care, caregivers, child welfare caseworkers and administrators, school and district personnel, Guardian ad Litem ( GAL ), court personnel, etc.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Education Planning for Youth

• Engages in planning to ensure appropriate educational services for youth
• Develops intervention plans to address behaviors that mitigate school engagement and educational achievement
• Provides strategic education planning for youth relocating to new schools and/or school districts
• Develops and coordinates appropriate education plans for children and youth transitioning from one education level to another (preschool, elementary, secondary and post-secondary)
• Advocates for youth’s best educational interests in school planning teams, such as Individualized Education Programs, 504 Plans, etc.
• Provides educational expertise in non-school planning teams such as CIPP , child and family teams, etc.
• Provides other guidance and recommendations to navigate educational issues and develop appropriate plans

Educational Technical Assistance for Individuals

• Resolves issues that affect the education of individual youth involved with the Illinois foster care system
• Provides consultation on handling educational issues
• Provides direction