School of Social Work
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Located Statewide in Illinois
Job Summary
Train and support PATH Specialists in all peer roles related curriculum development and implementation. This includes but is not limited to efforts to support Family Peer Supporters, Engagement Specialists, and Violence Prevention peer roles. Provide on-going coaching, and support, and serve as subject matter expert and Team Lead for new peer support initiatives and peer support curriculum. Provide oversight of fidelity to the peer support model. Works closely with the Family Advocate Coordinator, Field Coordinator and SOC Coordinator to ensure peer support models are accurately represented in all work products and messaging. Assist with onboarding of new PATH specialists to orient them to all peer initiatives
Plan and deliver both web-based training, including questions and answers, and on-site trainings statewide for:
- Peer Supports and any related components, tools, or related topics that are necessary.
- Integration of the best practices for providers and PATH Specialists to ensure fidelity to peer practice models.
Using various coaching and transfer of learning methodologies, the trainer will engage in person and by webinar with PATH Specialists and Providers of Peer Support Services to:
- Effectively and strategically share personal stories around systems navigation.
- Assess agency-specific challenges and build strategies for effective implementation of Peer Support staff within agencies.
- Work in conjunction with the PATH Coordinator and Leadership team to ensure providers are integrating best practices in implementing peer support services and training.
Provides Leadership, mentorship, and oversight as Team Lead to specialist staff.
- Will perform observation and complete evaluation documentation of specialist staff during Mock practice sessions and during quarterly reviews as needed.
- Will schedule, track attendance, and lead mock sessions to conduct staff practice of curriculum content.
- Will attend interviews, provide feedback, and evaluation of potential candidates for hire within the specialist position.
- Will demonstrate flexibility in scheduling as well as ability to prioritize based on program needs and changes.
- Facilitates collaboration and communication with the PATH Leadership:
- Assists with onboarding, professional development of staff, and collaborates with the Coordinator of Family and Peer Support Services to create professional development content and materials.
- Collaborates with other PATH team members on various projects as needed.
- Reports any staff concerns or content changes that need to be made to ensure quality and accuracy of curriculum content information.
Develop trainings, including on-site trainings and web-based trainings.
- Provide feedback to PATH Leadership as Subject Matter Expert on peer support implementation efforts to guide future curriculum development and statewide support strategies.
- Will complete task assignment, monitoring and lead workgroup teams conducting new curriculum development and implementation as needed.
Other duties as assigned:
- Some analysis of training effectiveness may be required.
- Travel may be necessary several days per week to effectuate training and coaching.
Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
Statewide travel is required.
Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field from an accredited college or university. Parent or caregiver involved in the day-to-day of a child or adolescent with emotional/behavioral health challenges or lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services in Illinois. Experience successfully navigating two or more child serving systems for child(ren) with emotional and/or behavioral challenges including but not limited to mental health, public education, child welfare, juvenile/family court, and corrections. Experience coaching, training, teaching, and/or public speaking. Experience with wraparound services. Participation in support groups and/or advisory committees.
Self-motivated and able to work semi-independently to train peers. Knowledge of pertinent resources, including funding options, and how to access them. Fundamental knowledge of child and adolescent mental health disorders, treatments, services and supports, including public service programs available to youth. Knowledge of parenting strategies and family dynamics. Knowledge of individual and systems advocacy approaches. Understand how to find information on child/parental rights as well as state/federal laws and regulations. Knowledge of special education and other services/accommodations available through the public education system. Fundamental knowledge of the wraparound process and principles. Knowledge of the current best practices for addressing challenging behavior. Knowledge of the impact of trauma on children, youth, and families. Knowledge of and ability to provide advocacy and strength-based interventions. Knowledge of conflict resolution methods. Knowledge of transition services, resources, and timelines. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Strong communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Highly organized, ability to work independently. Basic understanding of group facilitation techniques.
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes. The budgeted salary range for the position is $67,000- $72,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. Hybrid and Remote work options may be available for this position with the ability to be on-site as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 13, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Upload your cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1037433
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
