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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application.
Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at
[email protected] or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.
Sponsorship for Employment
The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Disclosure of Salary Information
In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
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Date: Aug 12, 2026
Location:
Grafton, IL, US, 62037
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Job Requisition ID: 57622
Job Requisition ID: 57622
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 08/27/2026
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Class Title: JUV JUSTICE YTH & FAM SPEC OPT 1 (21991)
Skill Option: UMP Credential
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,404 a month; Full Range $6,404-$9,187
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Jersey
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
Requistion Number 57622
Juvenile Justice Youth & Family Specialist, Opt. 1 (UMP)
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 Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a compassionate and motivated candidate to assist in the positive rehabilitation of the youth in our care. The ideal candidate for this position will possess a passion for positive change, the ability to apply a high degree of patience with residents and their families, and the ability to confidently develop and implement recommendations for positive behavior change and rehabilitation. The incumbent in this role will possess excellent communication skills both orally and in writing as they will have daily interaction with various youth, other staff both inside and outside the facilities, families of the residents, and members of the community. The Juvenile Justice Youth and Family Specialist plays a critical role in the maintenance and rehabilitation of the youth in our care. If this sounds like an opportunity that fits the career path you’re looking for, then IDJJ is looking for you! We encourage all interested and qualified candidates to apply!
Essential Functions:
Under general supervision, provides counseling and case management services to youth on an assigned caseload and incoming youth during their initial orientation.
Delivers and facilitates group programming and activities to build youth skills.
Reviews documentation to determine family and youth eligibility for Federal funding participation and interacts with other agencies to verify documentation and eligibility enrollment are established and implemented.
Conducts home visitations to establish, document, and report status of family dynamics and the suitability of the home for re-entry and/or continued placements.
Documents case management activities, youth needs, interventions, and programming.
Interviews youth and families.
Attends and participates in continuing educational programs, training, and staff development to build skills and acquire knowledge of programs and services.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications:
Requires a bachelor's degree in counseling or a closely related social science degree. Requires two years of professional experience working with youth in juvenile services
OR
Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Requires three years of professional experience in counseling or casework.
This title is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.
Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance):
Prefers extensive knowledge of counseling and guidance principles and techniques.
Prefers working knowledge of theories of personality and deviant behavior, delinquency and criminology.
Prefers working knowledge of the principles of cognitive behavioral treatment.
Prefers working knowledge of sociology of the family and of racial and cultural minorities urban sociology and social problems.
Prefers working knowledge of casework techniques and the writing of professional reports.
Prefers ability to prepare comprehensive evaluations and to develop recommendations for rehabilitation and positive behavioral change programs and for placement and supervision.
Prefers ability to use a personal computer and office software in data tracking and the preparation of work reports and case management.
Prefers ability to relate and integrate professional aspects of counseling and guidance with those of other disciplines.
Prefers ability to apply a high degree of tact, patience, empathy and insight in the skillful counseling of residents, families, parents and relatives.
Prefers ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Conditions of Employment:
Requires the ability to pass an Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)/Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) background check.
Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
All candidates must be over the age of 21.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
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:
The mission of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) is to build youth skills and strengthen families by promoting community safety and positive youth outcomes. Over 900 staff members from across various departments—security, programming, education, mental health, and more—collaborate with the understanding that youth are physically, emotionally, and cognitively different from adults. The department provides extensive services to young people through a developmental, treatment-focused model of care that builds youth resiliency, engages families, and promotes community safety at the five youth facilities it operates across the state. IDJJ serves and houses approximately 150 youth and is responsible for approximately 500 youth on Aftercare in various Illinois’ communities.
Benefits:
The Department of Juvenile Justice offers an excellent benefits package including:
Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
Pension Plan
Paid parental leave
Pre-tax benefits programs including but not limited to: Deferred Compensation, Medical, Daycare, etc.
Employees earn twelve (12) paid Sick Days annually
New Employees earn ten (10) paid Vacation Days in their first year of service and can earn up to twenty-five (25) paid Vacation Days annually (based on years of service)
Employees earn three (3) paid Personal Days annually (pro-rated based on start date)
Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
Flexible work schedules in many program areas (remote work may be an option for certain positions)
Work Hours: M/T./W 8a-4p; Th/Sun 1p-9p with Fri/Sat off
Headquarter Location: 17808 State Highway 100 W, Grafton, Illinois, 62037
Work County: Jersey
Agency Contact: IDJJ Human Resources
Email: [email protected]
Posting Group: Public Safety; Health Services; Social Services
This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.
This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Nearest Major Market: St Louis
