SUBSTANCE USE & RECOVERY SPECIALTY ADMINISTRATOR

Job Requisition ID: 56783 
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: 07/01/2026
Agency:Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 
Skill Option: Health and Human Services 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,000 to $11,000 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application.  Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU UPLOAD COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS AND RESUME.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Statewide Administrator of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Programs. Under administrative direction, this position will plan, develop, and monitor the SUD service system for children and families served by the Department. The position will develop and implement statewide policies and procedures related to substance abuse prevention and treatment/recovery, reviewing to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. The position will also serve as primary Departmental representative with private entities and other state, federal, and local agencies providing SUD services to children and families serviced by the Department. This position will serve as full line supervisor of subordinate professional staff and will provide research, analysis, and interpretation to senior management in the design and tactical application of community-based services to client service planning and decision making. This position is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in ensuring the effective provision of SUD services to children and families. DCFS offers a competitive salary plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills, leadership capabilities, and the ability to multi-task. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Substance Use and Recovery Specialty Administrator.
• Serves as primary liaison and Departmental representative with private entities and other state, federal, and local agencies providing SUD services to children and families served by the Department.
• Provides oversight of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Intergovernmental Agreement.
• Serves as full line supervisor.
• Serves as liaison with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) regarding substance use disorder issues, abuse issues, policy development, and other interagency activities.
• Provides research, analysis, and interpretation to senior management in the design and tactical application of community-based services to client service planning and decision making.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a master’s degree in social work or a master’s degree in an acceptable human services field.
• Requires three years of administrative child welfare experience with an MSW or four years of administrative child welfare experience with a master’s degree in a related human services field.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of professional experience working directly in the treatment or prevention of substance use disorders.
• 3 years of professional experience managing or conducting a substance use prevention and recovery program in a public or private organization.
• 3 years of professional experience managing or conducting child welfare or clinical service programs in a public or private organization.
• 3 years of professional experience providing oversight of project monitoring services in a public or private organization.
• 3 years of experience supervising professional social work staff in a public or private organization.
• 3 years of professional experience conducting quality review in a public or private organization.
• 3 years of professional experience serving in a liaison capacity for a public or private organization.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires travel, a valid driver’s license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filing.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. 

 As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this  link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Work Hours:  Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 
Headquarter Location: 1 N Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, Illinois, 62701 
Work County: Sangamon
Supervisor: B. Landwehr

Agency Contact:  Janet Potts

Email: janet.potts@illinois.gov (FOR QUESTIONS ONLY)