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The State of Illinois offers a wide range of careers in public service—from healthcare and education to transportation and administration. Browse current openings and take the next step in your career.
Featured Job: The National Council for Mental Wellbeing
About the National Council for Mental Wellbeing
The vision of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is to make mental wellbeing, including recovery from substance use challenges, a reality for everyone. Despite overwhelming need, nearly 30 million people across the U.S. do not have access to comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment.
Founded in 1969, the National Council is a 501(c)(3) membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of more than 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 15 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure equitable access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, we have trained more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
The National Council is growing to meet this moment. We’ve more than doubled our dedicated team to 240+ employees since 2020. Although we have office space in Washington, D.C., we operate as a remote-first organization, with employees working from their various locations across the United States.
The National Council is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We embrace individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives, welcoming people of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and ages, as well as veterans, people with disabilities, and those with lived experiences in mental health and substance use challenges to apply. We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment and recruitment process for everyone. If you require accommodation during the application process, please contact us at Recruiter@thenationalcouncil.org.
OPEN ROLE
Policy Specialist, Illinois CCBHC-T
Position Summary
The Policy Specialist, Illinois CCBHC-T will play a crucial role in supporting state-level efforts in Illinois to advance the transformation of care through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. This position will serve as a contracted staff member of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, supporting transformation efforts to further the state’s CCBHC program. This position requires a highly skilled individual with a proven record of advancing state behavioral health systems, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and delivering high-quality results.
Illinois is one of three states selected to participate in a three-year, multistate pilot program that will provide critical technical assistance support to states and clinics to advance the vision and impact of the CCBHC model. CCBHCs provide mental health and substance use services to anyone who walks through the door, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Through their documented ability to improve access to mental health care, lifesaving substance use treatment, recovery supports, crisis services, integrated care and other services, CCBHCs are eliminating barriers to care for people in hundreds of communities. This role will serve as a core member of the program implementation team and lead priority initiatives of the state roadmap and implementation.
This position is contingent upon continued project funding. This is a limited-term, full-time, benefits-eligible position with employment expected through July 2028.
This is a hybrid remote position with residence in Illinois required. You will primarily work remotely but may also occasionally travel throughout the state as needed. Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. This is an individual contributor role without any direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
State Behavioral Health Policy
Lead and manage the development and execution of new state policies and guidance, aligned with the state team’s strategy for the CCBHC-T project.
Proactively identify opportunities for improved state policies to support CCBHCs across the state and lead the state CCBHC-T team in advancing improved state policies.
Draft state policies and guidance and contribute to technical writing assignments as needed and as appropriate.
Lead and manage communication with key stakeholders regarding state policy efforts to advance the CCBHC-T vision and goals.
Lead and manage the process for implementing and scaling new state policies and guidance for CCBHCs.
Leadership
Initiate, build, and facilitate relationships with key state stakeholders and partners to support advancing needed policies and guidance.
Partner with the CCBHC-T state team leaders to support alignment of state policies with overarching project strategy and vision with the National Council and key partners.
Develop project management processes and protocols as needed to drive progress in new policy efforts.
Facilitate collaboration and coordination across the state team and the state’s CCBHC initiatives to optimize resource utilization, opportunities for collaboration and achieve shared objectives.
Training and Technical Assistance
Partner with the Illinois CCBHC-T team to align technical assistance activities and resources with the state’s policies and broader CCBHC state strategy.
Develop materials and resources for technical assistance activities as it relates to state policies and guidance, tailored to specific audiences as needed.
Present and communicate state policies and guidance to CCBHCs and technical assistance audiences as needed.
Gather input and feedback from CCBHCs and technical assistance audiences regarding policies and guidance needed.
Communicate with and support CCBHCs and technical assistance audiences in understanding and implementing policies and guidance.
Technical Expertise
Stay current on state behavioral health needs, understanding the policy landscape and key stakeholders influencing the state’s health care environment.
Develop and enhance deep knowledge and understanding of the CCBHC model to inform policy and guidance decisions.
Leverage technical skills and knowledge in project management to address complex project challenges.
Support the development and delivery of high-quality deliverables, including reports, presentations, and training materials.
Required Qualifications
Bachelors’ degree in related field required; public policy, public administration, public health, mental health and substance use services with at least 3 years of experience analyzing and implementing behavioral health or Medicaid policy.
Background in public administration, public health, mental health and substance use services or related fields.
Illinois state residency.
Experience working within state health systems, specifically policy experience.
Familiarity with Illinois community behavioral health landscape.
Familiarity with state and federal legislative and administrative rulemaking processes.
Dynamic presentation, public speaking and technical writing skills.
High level proficiency in Microsoft Office—MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Results-oriented with a high attention to detail.
Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in virtual meeting/collaboration, project management, and survey software (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Asana, Survey Monkey, Higher Logic).
Ability to quickly learn new software platforms and programs.
Ability to travel up to 5% across the state to support CCBHC efforts.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge and understanding of the CCBHC model and state policy landscape is strongly preferred.
Experience managing training and technical assistance programs for behavioral health audiences is strongly preferred.
Experience managing a large healthcare related program, federal or philanthropy grants, and/or contracts with multiple external partners is strongly preferred.
Knowledge and experience working with medical terminology to explain healthcare billing or policy requirements is preferred.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $104,955 - $120,000. Salary decisions within the range are based on experience, education and internal equity.
The National Council offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes (but is not limited to):
Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions after 1 year of service
Paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal, floating holiday, bereavement and observed federal holidays
Two weeks paid parental leave
Free unlimited Relias professional development courses
Annual professional development
Calm Premium access
OPEN ROLE
Implementation Specialist, Illinois CCBHC-T
Position Summary
The Implementation Specialist, Illinois CCBHC-T will play a crucial role in supporting state-level efforts in Illinois to advance the transformation of care through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. This position will serve as a contracted staff member of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, supporting transformation efforts to further the state’s CCBHC program. This position requires a highly skilled individual with a proven record of advancing state behavioral health systems, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and delivering high-quality results.
Illinois is one of three states selected to participate in a three-year, multistate pilot program that will provide critical technical assistance support to states and clinics to advance the vision and impact of the CCBHC model. CCBHCs provide mental health and substance use services to anyone who walks through the door, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Through their documented ability to improve access to mental health care, lifesaving substance use treatment, recovery supports, crisis services, integrated care and other services, CCBHCs are eliminating barriers to care for people in hundreds of communities. This role will serve as a core member of the program implementation team and lead priority initiatives of the state roadmap and implementation plan.
This position is contingent upon continued project funding. This is a limited-term, full-time, benefits-eligible position with employment expected through July 2028.
This is a hybrid remote position with residence in Illinois required. You will primarily work remotely but may also occasionally travel throughout the state as needed. Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. This is an individual contributor role without any direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor supporting the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Transformation (CCBHC-T) project.
Initiate, build, and facilitate relationships with key state stakeholders and partners to support advancing the project’s vision and strategy.
Partner with the CCBHC-T state team leaders to support alignment of project strategy with overarching project vision with the National Council and key partners.
Lead and drive efforts to support the implementation of the CCBHC model to fidelity across the state.
Training and Technical Assistance
Provide subject matter expertise and guidance regarding the state’s technical assistance strategy and work planning to support CCBHCs.
Deliver training and technical assistance support to state agency staff, CCBHCs, prospective CCBHCs and other stakeholders.
Partner with the state’s certification team to ensure the technical assistance strategy and activities align with CCBHC certification requirements, and the team’s strategic priorities.
Develop, present, and communicate materials and resources for technical assistance activities as it relates to areas of expertise, such as the CCBHC model, implementation, certification criteria, quality of care, and sustainability considerations.
Communicate with and support CCBHCs and technical assistance audiences directly in understanding and implementing the CCBHC model, tailored to specific audiences as needed.
Gather input and feedback from CCBHCs and technical assistance audiences regarding content needed to support their implementation and scaling efforts.
Technical Expertise
Develop and build technical skills and knowledge in the CCBHC model, implementation, certification criteria, quality of care, and sustainability considerations.
Stay current on state behavioral health needs, understanding the policy landscape and key stakeholders influencing the state’s health care environment.
Leverage technical skills and knowledge to address complex project challenges.
Support the development and delivery of high-quality deliverables, including reports, presentations, and training materials.
State Behavioral Health Systems Strategy
Proactively identify potential risks that could compromise the impact of the project and advise on solutions.
Support relationship building with key stakeholders and engage additional stakeholders as needed to drive strategic vision, specifically the state’s CCBHC certification team.
Serve as a liaison, as needed, to ensure clear and consistent communication is shared with key stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, human services, public health, or related field.
5+ years of relevant professional experience + a minimum of 3 years of progressive subject matter expertise in managing and implementing behavioral health programs.
Illinois state residency.
Knowledge of state and clinic-level CCBHC implementation, including but not limited to state operational, financial and administrative needs to support CCBHC adoption, state certification processes, CCBHC data and quality measures, state guidelines and oversight, and support to clinics in CCBHC adoption.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders to drive impact at a systems level, such as various state agencies, national, state, provider and consumer associations, behavioral health organizations, technical assistance providers and consultants.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in mental health, substance use prevention, treatment, or recovery
Dynamic presentation, public speaking and technical writing skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
Ability to travel up to 30% across the state to visit provider organizations and support their CCBHC implementation efforts.
Preferred Qualifications
Clinical licensure in social work, counseling, psychology, nursing, or related field.
Experience working as a clinician within a CCBHC, or other integrated health or community mental health setting, specifically in Illinois strongly preferred.
Experience and knowledge in rural health care settings, specifically CCBHC settings strongly preferred.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $112,552 - $130,000. Salary decisions within the range are based on experience, education and internal equity.
The National Council offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes (but is not limited to):
Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions after 1 year of service
Paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal, floating holiday, bereavement and observed federal holidays
Two weeks paid parental leave
Free unlimited Relias professional development courses
Annual professional development
Calm Premium access
fun facts about illinois
Capital – Springfield
State abbreviation / Postal code – Ill. / IL
U.S. Senators: 2
U.S. Representatives: 18
Illinois has 20 electoral votes.
The Illinois General Assembly consists of a Senate with 59 members and a House of Representatives with 118 members.
Organized as a territory: Feb. 3, 1809
Entered Union (rank): Dec. 3, 1818 (21)
Present constitution adopted: 1970
The Illinois State Motto: State Sovereignty, National Union
The 2020 population of Illinois is 12,671,821.
Illinois State Song: Illinois. The words were written by C.H. Chamberlain. The music was composed by Archibald Johnston.
Illinois is known as the Prairie State.
Illinois State Slogan – Land of Lincoln
State Tree – white oak
State Bird – cardinal
State Fish – bluegill
Illinois State Animal – white-tailed deer
Illinois State Insect – monarch butterfly
Illinois State Mineral – fluorite
Illinois State Fossil – Tully monster
Illinois State Prairie Grass – big bluestem
Illinois State Reptile – painted turtle
Illinois State Amphibian – eastern tiger salamander
Illinois State Flower – violet 2
*Pending the results of the 2020 U.S. Census and potential legislative action regarding the data, some of the numbers in this document may change. Updates will be made, as necessary.
Illinois State Soil – drummer silty clay loam
Illinois State Dance – square dance
Illinois State Snack – popcorn
Illinois State Fruit – goldrush apple
Illinois State Tartan – Illinois Saint Andrew Society Tartan
Illinois State Vegetable – sweet corn
Illinois State Pie – pumpkin pie
Illinois State Exercise – cycling
Illinois State Pet – shelter dogs and shelter cats
Illinois State Microbe – Penicillium rubens
Illinois State Grain – corn
State Artifact – pirogue
Illinois State Theatre – The Great American People Show Origin of name: Algonquin for “tribe of superior men.”
Official Language – English
Number of counties: 102
10 largest cities (2010): Chicago, 2,695,598; Aurora, 197,899; Rockford, 152,817; Joliet, 147,433; Naperville, 141,853; Springfield, 116,250; Peoria, 115,007; Elgin, 108,188; Waukegan, 89,078; Cicero, 83,891
Largest county by population and area: Cook, 5,194,675 (2010); McLean, 1,184 sq mi. Population density in 2010: 85.5 people per square kilometer (221.5 per square mile)
Distribution in 2009 (estimate): 87% Urban, 13% Rural
Illinois is the fifth most populous state in the country.
Resident: Illinoisan
Public use areas: 186 (275,000 ac.), including state parks, memorials, forests and conservation areas
Geographic center: In Logan County, 28 miles northeast of Springfield.
Highest point: Charles Mound, 1,235 feet
Lowest point: Mississippi River, 279 feet Land Area: 57,918 square miles.
Chicago's Mercy Hospital was the first hospital opened in Illinois.
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is the busiest airport in the world. A plane takes off or lands there every 23 seconds.
The Chicago Public Library is the world's largest public library with a collection of more than 2 million books.
The Chicago Post Office at 433 West Van Buren is the only postal facility in the world you can drive a car through.