Program Services Specialist - Family Advocate (AP27-011)

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) seeks a Program Services Specialist - Family Advocate to contribute to its mission of advancing social and economic mobility while shaping the workforce of the future. As a premier metropolitan university, SIUE provides a comprehensive education with hands-on research opportunities, equipping students to succeed globally and impact their communities.

SIUE employs over 2,400 faculty and staff and has a $1.3 billion annual economic impact on the region, generating nearly 9,000 additional jobs and over $250 million in labor income each year.

About the role

The Family Advocate will implement the program's ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) systems and actively engage and support families to promote financial self-sufficiency.

This is a non-exempt position under the FLSA.

Requirements

• Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories:
  • Coursework in social work, behavioral sciences, or a closely related field:
    • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
    • Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
    • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
    • Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
  • Progressively more responsible work experience in social service/counseling at a paraprofessional level under qualified supervision
• A credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field
• One of the following:
  • Family Specialist Credential (Gateway) with a minimum of two years' experience interacting with low-income families
  • Associate Degree with a minimum of two years' experience interacting with low-income families
• Valid Illinois Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work or a related field (as determined by transcript review)
• Computer literacy
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills

Supplemental Information

• Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date, requiring a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state ID.
• Veterans who qualify for preference must provide proof of eligibility (e.g., DD214/DD215, NGB22, or Discharge Orders/DD256) within ten working days of application.
• All external candidates receiving a job offer will undergo pre-employment screening, including a criminal background check, employment/education verification, reference checks, and applicable licensure/certification checks. Job offers are contingent on successful completion.
• SIUE does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Only candidates legally authorized to work in the U.S. will be employed. International students on F-1 or J-1 visas are ineligible for full-time or part-time civil service positions with permanent status.
• SIUE is not enrolled in the E-Verify program and cannot employ individuals on OPT STEM Extension.