Skill Coach

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

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.