Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections is looking for a dynamic, energetic, and detailed oriented person to serve as a Staff Development Specialist I (SDS). This Specialist will participate in the development and presentation of orientation and in-service training programs for the Department of Corrections’ employees regarding all applicable Training Academy curriculums. The individual will conduct research and evaluate current training programs, as well as assist subject matter experts by coordinating training programs. We are looking for someone with a strong, training, public speaking, and research background. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Participates in the development and presentation of orientation and developmental training programs for Department of Corrections’ employees regarding all general Macon County Training Academy curriculums to include, Pre-service Security Training, Pre-service Orientation Training, Instructional Methods, etc. by developing instructional outlines for specific segments of training.
• Participates in the development of regional training site needs as needed.
• Prepares training aides and written materials for instruction programs.
• Maintains attendance records.
• Assists the supervisor in fiscal responsibility by informing the supervisor of training material and equipment, outlines requests for training needs in written form.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college. Academic course work should include quantitative measures (introductory statistics or business mathematics or social science analytical tools), educational methods, psychology of individuals, organizational or group behavior, labor relations or equivalents.
• Requires two (2) years of professional experience in education or a related field.

Specialized Skills:

• Requires four (4) years of experience working in a State of Illinois Correctional Center or Juvenile Justice Center.
• Requires completion of the IDOC Instructional Methods training or substantially similar training or one (1) year of training/teaching experience.
• Requires working knowledge of Illinois Department of Corrections Administrative Directives.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in evaluating the effectiveness of training programs by pre/post tests or by usage of other methods.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in using templates, lettering guides and other mechanical aids in preparation of instructional materials.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of working experience with internal audits.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of working experience with external audits.
• Prefers three (3) credit hours of college courses in operating audio/visual equipment.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience in creating PowerPoints, Lesson Plans, and Class Manuals.
• Prefers working knowledge of the organizations and responsibilities of state and local governments.
• Prefers working knowledge of public labor relations policies and practices.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience in use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint or similar software.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience doing data entry.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in a facility specialized committee or team.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid; appropriate, driver’s license and ability to travel statewide.
• Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. On January 1, 2020, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act made it legal for residents over the age of 21 to produce, consume, and sell cannabis in Illinois. Please note that although the law has changed, the Department will continue to enforce the Department’s zero tolerance Drug Testing policy. The use of unauthorized drugs, including cannabis, by an employee, regardless of the position held is prohibited.
• Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included.

Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression.

The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in offender behavior, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization.

Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; tuition reimbursement; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.

The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.