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Title: ISU DCFS CPTA Simulation Facilitator
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: School of Social Work
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

Illinois State University is seeking 2 full-time staff for a new innovative collaboration with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services known as the Child Protection Training Academy. The ISU simulation training program will advance the Department’s commitment to experiential learning for child welfare professionals through the use of simulated learning environments that support the application of knowledge, values, and skills acquired through training. These are full-time 12-month, term with renewal contingent upon job performance and programmatic need.

Primary function Summary: Facilitators are responsible for providing coaching, support, and training before and during the simulation experience to child welfare professional staff, including new and new DCFS investigators, placement workers, and intact workers.

Duties/Responsibilities:
• Training support for Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) personnel
• Facilitation of simulated learning
• Simulation Environment Manipulation

Additional Information

Illinois State University is the oldest public university in the state of Illinois. While initially founded as a teacher’s college, the University now boasts academic programs in 123 disciplines [78 undergraduate and 45 master’s degree programs]. In addition, the University offers 10 doctoral and 42 graduate certificate programs.

This premier institution has partnered over the years with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services through the Center for Child Welfare and Adoption Studies, the Permanency Enhancement Project, and the DCFS Youth-in-College programs. The Graduate School provides a Master of Social Work degree option with a specialization in Child and Family studies which has a concentration in child welfare practice. This longstanding commitment to the professional development of child welfare professionals, child welfare research, and promotion of equity for the children and families served by the child welfare system serves as the basis for this new endeavor to provide simulation experiences for child welfare professionals.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$59,000-$63,000

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college of university in human services.
2. At least 2 years combined Illinois direct service experience in child protection investigations and/or child welfare.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Two years of teaching experience, or previous trainer/facilitation experience is preferred.
2. Master's degree in Social Work or Human Services preferred.
3, Three or more years combined Illinois direct service experience in child protection investigations and/or child welfare.

Work Hours

Generally Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Position occasionally requires work beyond regular office hours. Position also requires occasional in-state travel for meetings, training, and collaborations with other training sites.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis
4. Prepare written reports
5. Work effectively with a team of professionals

Proposed Starting Date

August 2025

Required Applicant Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference list for three professional references

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Contact Information for Applicants

Doris M. Houston, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator and Co-Director, Child Protection Training Academy (CPTA)
Associate Professor, School of Social Work
dmhous2@ilstu.edu
(309) 438-2538 (Social Work Office)
(309) 438-0196 (Sim Lab)

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.