Upward Mobility Program Job Title Descriptions

The target titles within the Upward Mobility Program are described herein. There are three categories of titles: 1) certificate titles which require passing a written proficiency exam in order to be placed on the eligible list; 2) credential titles which require the possession of a specified college degree or possession of a given license in order to be eligible and 3) dual titles for which a certificate may be earned either by passing a proficiency exam or by acquiring the required education.

Workers in these positions perform bookkeeping functions. Positions exist in most state agencies.

Performs technical accounting work in maintaining established general account books by a fund or grant or a complex set of detailed or support books for a division or institution. Such positions may include supervising Account Clerks. These positions exist in the majority of state agencies.

Accountant workers perform professional level accounting duties including budgetary planning and fiscal control. Typically, tasks involve maintenance of general account books, preparation of financial statements and reports and the reconciliation of financial reports and statements. These positions exist in the majority of state agencies.

Workers in this position cook and prepare food for a large scale food service. They may supervise employee, patient or resident kitchen workers. These positions are located in various facilities statewide in the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Human Services, Children and Family Services and Rehabilitation Services. These positions are located in Adams, Clinton, Cook, Kane, Kankakee, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Madison, Morgan, Peoria, Randolph, Sangamon, Union and Winnebago counties.

Cook II is the promotional title for Cook I. In addition to performing more responsible elements of the above described Cook I duties, they are responsible for ensuring that sanitation and cleanliness standards are met and have increased supervisory duties. These positions are located in various facilities statewide in the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Human Services, Children and Family Services and Rehabilitation Services. These positions are located in Adams, Clinton, Cook, Kane, Kankakee, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Morgan, Peoria, Union and Winnebago counties.

Correctional Lieutenants instruct and supervise correctional security employees of a lower rank in enforcing and maintaining disciplinary, safety, sanitary, security and custodial measures in a state correctional institution. A Lieutenant carries out the directions of his/her superior officers and may have charge of a small institution or unit for a short period of time. It should be expected to work different shifts, weekends and holidays in these positions. These positions exist statewide at adult institutions, work camps and boot camps.

In order to target Correctional Lieutenant in Upward Mobility, it is required that enrollees have two years of work experience as a Correctional Officer, Correctional Sergeant, Youth Supervisor, Correctional Counselor, Leisure Time Activity Specialist or Corrections Residence Counselor during their current period of continuous service.

Workers in these positions are responsible for preparing and serving meals on an assigned shift in either an adult or juvenile state correctional facility. The work involves: the supervision of inmates assigned to a food preparation area; the estimation of food product needs; menu development; and the enforcement of discipline, safety, sanitation, security and custodial standards in the food service area. These positions exist statewide at adult and juvenile institutions, work camps and boot camps.

These workers perform complex data control work which may involve: directing and coordinating computer production control; operation of mainframe, mini or micro computer systems and peripheral equipment; preparation of job streams and review and preparation of computer output for the agency. Workers may monitor the completion of work assignments by subordinates. These positions exist in several agencies, primarily in Springfield; a few are in Chicago. Shift work is very likely in these jobs as most data processing facilities operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Data Processing Specialists perform advanced data control work which may involve: computer production control; operation of mainframe, mini or micro computer systems and peripheral equipment; preparation of job streams and monitoring computer output. Workers may monitor the completion of work assignments by subordinates. These positions are primarily located in Springfield; a few are in Chicago. Shift work is very likely in these jobs as most data processing facilities operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Workers in these positions serve as supervisors of a small to moderately sized staff in an agency information system, planning, assigning, supervising and reviewing activities of clerical data entry or computer support staff. They conduct and sign performance evaluations, recommend and impose disciplinary action and adjust grievances. These positions exist in several agencies in Springfield and Chicago.

Data Processing Technicians perform journey level data control work which may involve: computer production control; operation of mainframe, mini or micro computer systems and peripheral equipment; preparation of job streams and monitoring computer output. These positions are primarily located in Springfield; a few are in Chicago in the Department of Employment Security. Shift work is very likely in these jobs as most data processing facilities operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Workers in these positions serve as the assistant manager of a comprehensive food service program planning and directing all phases of a food service operation of limited complexity. Workers perform professional dietetic duties such as planning modified diets and supervising subordinates in preparing routine and special diets, among other food service functions. These positions are located in the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Human Services and Rehabilitation Services at various institutions in Adams, Clinton, Cook, Kane, Kankakee, Lake, Madison, Morgan, Peoria and Union Counties.

Employment Security Program Representatives assess clients’ vocational needs, receive and process claims, conduct benefits rights interviews to clarify eligibility criteria and make determinations as to eligibility for services. They work with clients to assess their vocational skills, match clients with job openings and make arrangements for job interviews. All positions are in the Department of Employment Security and are located statewide.

An Executive Secretary I performs administrative secretarial work for the manager of a small division of a state agency. Work includes: preparing and/or typing documents; scheduling appointments and meetings; making travel arrangements, etc. There are two options for this title: Option 2 requires typing skills and Option 3 requires typing and dictation skills. These positions are allocated to almost all state agencies statewide.

Under direction. the worker performs administrative secretarial work for a manager of a bureau or large division. The work includes preparing and/or typing documents which may have an impact on program policies and procedures and other secretarial duties. Positions are allocated in all state agencies. There are two options for this title: Option 2 requires typing skills and Option 3 requires typing and dictation skills.

Categories
A - Applications Services
C - Client Services
S - Systems Services
M - Multi/Other Services

Under immediate supervision, Specialists complete professional assignments of limited scope. They are closely supervised with little or no latitude in the choice of work method. Established guidelines, precedents, practices and procedures are followed with minimal need for innovation. Functions pertain primarily to software, with expertise in one or more types or brands of software. Incumbents analyze specifications, design logic, write code and test, debug and document applications programs. They may participate in fact-finding and analysis phases of program design involving knowledge of new, existing and current systems.

Under general supervision, incumbents supervise others performing a variety of office support functions. They exercise full supervisory authority and responsibility to assign work and prepare performance evaluations as well as to impose discipline and adjust grievances. Positions exist in most agencies. The three options are: 1-General; 2-Typing and 3-Dictation. The title is used across agencies.

There are a limited number of these positions located in a variety of agencies. Work role options include: lead worker over lower level staff; specialist in PC's and microcomputers; and program areas of agencies. The position includes leadership duties as well. The three options are: 1-General; 2-Typing and 3-Dictation.

Office Specialists perform complex paraprofessional or technical duties to support an agency program. These positions require thorough knowledge of a specific agency program or application and may serve as lead workers. Positions exist in many agencies, mostly in Springfield and Chicago. There are four options for this title: Option 1: General, Option 2: Typing, Option 3: Typing and Dictation and Option 4: Computer Systems.

Coordinators keep client case records and documents in a field counseling office. They perform routine clerical functions following state, federal and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures. They monitor client case status, maintain case files, type case letters and reports. Coordinators work in the Department of Human Services.

These workers are responsible for the supervision of all non-professional activities involving the personal care of developmentally disabled patients. They may also direct all patient care activities for a cottage or similar unit housing mentally ill or retarded individuals. Residential Service Supervisors also have input into decisions regarding patients’ habilitation programs. These workers are on-call and may be required to report for work at times other than their assigned shift to respond to emergency situations. These positions are located at developmentally disabled and mental health facilities in Lee, Logan, Lake, Clinton, Morgan, Macon, and Cook counties.

Security Officers perform safety and protection work at state facilities. They respond to disturbance or emergency calls and take initial action to protect lives and property. They patrol buildings and grounds to check for breaches of security and unsafe conditions. Security Officers do not have arrest powers and do not use weapons. They are authorized to use physical force to restrain combative individuals. These positions are located in the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Human Services, Agriculture and Military Affairs. These positions are located in Adams, Clinton, Cook, Kane, Kankakee, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Madison, Morgan, Peoria, Perry, Randolph, Sangamon, Union and Winnebago counties.

Under immediate supervision, Site Technicians perform a variety of unskilled manual labor and routine tasks associated with the operation and maintenance of outdoor recreational, natural and historic programs through the departments of Historic Preservation and Natural Resources.

Under direct supervision, regularly carries out semiskilled work in the maintenance and repair of site buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment and/or regularly operates heavy equipment or water/wastewater treatment facilities associated with site operations. This position is utilized in the operation and maintenance of outdoor recreational, natural and historic programs through the departments of Historic Preservation and Natural Resources.

Workers in these positions perform routine and repetitive work in operating a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) telephone switchboard. The job consists of answering and transferring incoming phone calls and taking messages from callers. In some offices, these workers also perform limited typing and filing. These positions are located in Mental Health facilities, Corrections, Department of Children and Family Services residential facilities, and large district offices, such as the Department of Transportation. There is limited advancement.

Workers in these positions are in an assigned area of responsibility performing tasks related to the unemployment insurance tax determination process. They review employer accounts to verify accuracy and consistency of data in agency records and reconcile inconsistent records and assist higher level analysts with account verification and correction in compliance with the Unemployment Insurance Act. Workers also provide general unemployment insurance information to the public. These positions are allocated to the Department of Employment Security in Cook County.

AFACTs participate in a training program of six to twelve months' duration. They receive work assignments to develop their accounting skills. After successful completion of the training period, workers are promoted into titles such as Accountant II, Business Manager I, Methods and Procedures Advisor I and Unemployment Insurance Auditor II. These positions exist in several state agencies, primarily in Sangamon and Cook Counties.

Activity Therapist incumbents work in institutional, community and home settings to provide therapeutic mental, physical and expressive activities for the mentally ill, mentally retarded or socially handicapped patient. Responsibilities include observing and evaluating behavior and recommending continuation or change. These positions are in the Department of Human Services and Veterans Affairs at several locations. There are two rehabilitation schools in Jacksonville (Morgan county), a school for the hearing impaired and a school for the visually impaired. In Chicago, the positions are at the Illinois Institute for the Developmentally Disabled.

Bank Examiner I assists in conducting selected, less complex portions of bank and trust company examinations by gathering data on-site from bank personnel, and from records, documents, or other materials for preparation of written examination work papers, which are analyzed by the examiner-in-charge and consolidated into a written report of examination. Most work is performed in an office setting, there is extensive travel to facilities which are ordinarily within an assigned geographical are of the State.

Behavioral Analyst I performs professional positions engaged in providing behavioral analysis and modification services for recipients/inmates in residential or other settings. Develops and implements behavior analysis programs; trains program delivery staff in behavior analysis techniques; develops program recommendations for inter-disciplinary or multi-disciplinary team review.

The Chemist series encompasses positions which perform professional chemistry laboratory work. The Chemist I conducts this work under the close supervision of the immediate supervisor. Tests pertain to the composition and properties of substances and the reactions in which substances are produced from other substances. They do not include tests on the human body. Positions exist in Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Public Health agencies.

Workers in these positions perform entry level case work or case management duties related to children who have been abused or neglected. They receive training in child welfare services, counseling and intervention techniques and applicable laws, rules and regulations. These positions exist statewide in the Department of Children and Family Services.

Child Welfare Specialist incumbents perform a variety of case work/management duties relating to the welfare of children who are subject to abuse and/or neglect. Duties are performed independently with only problem cases being referred to higher level staff for assistance. These positions exist statewide in the Department of Children and Family Services.

Corrections Assessment Specialists are located in Corrections parole offices and correctional centers in counties throughout the state. Under direction, this position conducts periodic interviews with an assigned caseload of offenders. These interviews assess offender needs to determine appropriate individual and group programs and tools to aide in adjusting to incarceration, promoting rehabilitation opportunities and successfully reintegrating into the community. They gather statistical information and prepare reports for management review, chart casework activity, maintain case management documentation and records, prepare and update treatment reports and re-entry case plans. The Specialist positions in parole offices focus on counseling and assisting offenders to successfully re-integrate them into the community. They participate in case planning, goal setting and providing information on obtaining available re-entry and community services. The Specialists working in correctional centers focus on orientation and case work of new offenders. They complete assessments on assigned offenders and identify appropriate programs and services to assist with institutional living and provide guidance in pre- and post-release preparation for re-integration. They conduct periodic follow up interviews to update initial assessments.

Under general supervision, Corrections Identification Technicians secure, classify, and maintain fingerprints and fingerprint cards/records of offenders, employees, volunteers and outside workers at a state correctional center. They take, develop and print photographs of the center’s residents and employees for identification purposes, to prepare and issue facility ID cards, and to document tattoos, scars and other identifying markings. They provide instruction to offenders assigned to the Bureau of Identification and monitor and enforce disciplinary measures. Positions are located in State of Illinois correctional facilities throughout the state which includes Brown, Christian, Clinton, Crawford, Fayette, Fulton, Henry, Jefferson, Johnson, Kane, Knox, LaSalle, Lawrence, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Randolph, Rock Island, Saline, St. Clair, Vermilion, and Will counties.

Under direct supervision, this entry level professional position provides leisure time activities for residents in a State of Illinois adult or juvenile correctional facility. The Specialist I assist in the planning, coordinating and instructing of leisure activities to residents individually or in groups. They provide instruction in skills and techniques, officiate, monitor and supervise residents engaged in leisure activities including sports and physical fitness, cultural arts, crafts, games, social organizations and hobbies. They prepare and maintain resident participation records, equipment, and supplies in leisure time areas. These positions are utilized statewide within correctional facilities in Brown, Christian, Clinton, Cook, Crawford, DuPage, Fayette, Fulton, Henry, Jefferson, Jersey, Johnson, Kane, Knox, LaSalle, Lawrence, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Randolph, Rock Island, Saline, St. Clair, Vermilion, and Will counties.

Corrections Medical Technicians perform paraprofessional nursing duties in the care and treatment of physically ill and injured inmates at state correctional institutions. They supervise inmate workers in hospital maintenance and patient care. They assist doctors and nurses, maintain medical supplies, and perform inpatient services and preventative disease control. These positions exist at many correctional institutions statewide, primarily in the adult division.

This position requires a RN license and exists at adult and juvenile correctional institutions statewide. Workers are responsible for performing the full range of nursing care functions, maintaining security of medical equipment and supplies, preparing and maintaining medical records and making rounds in segregation and confinement units. These positions are located in Fayette, Jersey, Kane, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Montgomery, Morgan, Randolph, Rock Island, Saline and Will counties.

Under direct supervision, the representative studies day care home, group day care and day care centers for children and determines whether they show reasonable compliance with minimum standards established by the Department of Children and Family Services for licensing. Work assignments are received from and reviewed by a supervisor. This position is utilized only by the Department of Children and Family Services.

Under supervision, the representative performs responsible licensing, monitoring investigative and enforcement functions in the day care licensing program as formulated by the agency. This position is utilized only by the Department of Children and Family Services.

Workers in these positions perform work in adjudicating claims for disability benefits. They examine and analyze initial disability applications, review submitted medical sources, obtain information necessary for rendering a decision from hospitals, doctors, employees, attorneys, etc. They also screen initial claims for vocational rehabilitation referrals and work with vocational assessment specialists to develop information for client participation in workshops. These positions are allocated to the Department of Rehabilitation Services in Sangamon County, but a few positions exist in Chicago.

These positions assist with the application of engineering principles and practices in the solution of problems of development, design, construction, maintenance, inspection and evaluation of environmental equipment or systems. These positions require an engineering degree and are used by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Financial Institutions Examiner Trainees participate in a six to twelve month training period, receiving training and completing work assignments to acquire knowledge and skills necessary for examining books, documents and records relative to the establishment, operation, consolidation, or dissolution of financial institutions. These positions exist in several locations statewide in the Department of Financial Institutions and the Banks and Real Estate Commission.

Financial Institutions Examiner I assists higher level examiners in conducting examinations of books, documents and any other material relative to the establishment, operation, consolidation or dissolvement of financial institutions to include, but not be limited to: saving and loan associations, currency exchanges, credit unions or consumer credit organizations.

Workers in these positions perform highly responsible duties related to the coordination of individual habilitation plans for a designated number of individuals who are developmentally disabled in a state facility. They also locate, obtain and coordinate necessary services outside and inside the agency to carry out active habilitation in accordance with the habilitation plan. These positions are located at mental health facilities statewide. These positions are located in Clinton, Cook, Kankakee, Lake, Livingston, Logan, Madison, Morgan, Union and Winnebago counties.

Under immediate supervision, Interns serve a 6-12 month training period during which they receive formal instruction and on-the-job training in information technology concepts. They assist in functions that require the application of specialized theoretical and technical knowledge in the field. These positions are located at the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Financial Institutions, Department of Insurance, Department of Labor, Public Aid, Revenue, and Illinois State Police. These positions are in Cook, Randolph, and Sangamon counties.

Trainees participate in a six to twelve month agency-sponsored internal auditing training program. They receive classroom and on-the-job training to learn auditing techniques and procedures to conduct formal evaluations of the effectiveness of an agency’s statewide internal operations and controls. Almost all positions are in Sangamon County.

Interns under immediate supervision, and subsequently under direct supervision for a period of twelve months, receives formal classroom instruction and on-the-job training while performing beginning level professional duties. Work involves participating in supervising the movements, conduct, discipline, and training of youth, including delivery and supervision of social and recreational activities, group and individual instruction, motivation, personal care instruction and social skills development, teambuilding and group facilitation, work habits training, job interviewing, goal setting, academic maintenance for the individual service plans.

Supervisor performs professional front line supervisory duties in a juvenile justice facility, overseeing security and the delivery of program services through subordinate staff, and assures that security rules and regulations are followed within the assigned area. Supervisors may be assigned to specific areas of the facility, and may perform a range of responsible work assignments. Conducts staff evaluations on an annual or quarterly basis, assigns, directs and reviews work of, and provides training and guidance to, subordinate staff.

The option 1 for the Juvenile Justice Youth and Family Specialist designates a specific educational requirement, as indicated below. This position provides case management services to assigned youth in Juvenile Justice Illinois Youth Centers (IYC’s) and Aftercare settings located throughout the state. In IYC settings, they assess youth needs and strengths in areas of educational, vocational, family, peer, and behavioral health needs and provide interventions, counseling, and skill-building activities in individual and group settings. They refer and coordinate services with other professionals and service providers. In Aftercare settings, they implement and monitor services such as treatment, counseling, release and transition plans, and work with community-based providers to facilitate successful re-entry into the community. They monitor and supervise the youth by means such as electronic monitoring, approving youth’s schedules and visitations. A characteristic of this position is the need to schedule evening and weekend work activity outside of school hours and driving to various locations in performance of duties. These positions are utilized statewide within IYC’s and field offices in Champaign, Cook, DuPage, Jersey, Kane, Peoria, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair and Winnebago counties.

Licensed Practical Nurse I incumbents perform a variety of beginning-level practical nursing functions for the physically and mentally ill or mentally handicapped in a state hospital or clinic. They receive training in nursing procedures such as administering medication and injections. These positions are allocated to the Department of Human Services and Veterans Affairs at several facilities statewide.

Workers in these positions independently perform a variety of skilled practical nursing functions for physically and mentally ill or mentally handicapped patients in a state hospital or clinic. These positions usually involve either lead worker or first level supervisory duties. The jobs are located at many facilities statewide in the Department of Human Services and Veterans Affairs.

Life Science Career Trainees participate in a training program of six to twelve months receiving work assignments to develop required knowledge and practical skills corresponding with target titles at various departments. Upon completion of the training period, incumbents are placed in various job titles. These positions are allocated to several agencies with the majority being in the Environmental Protection Agency at a number of locations around the state.

Pharmacist Technicians work under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist performing duties in compounding and manufacturing prescriptions in a state facility pharmacy. They dispense pharmaceutical preparations and supplies and keep prescription and supplies records. These positions are in the Department of Human Services, Corrections and Veterans Affairs statewide.

Under direct supervision, Psychologist I's perform professional psychologist duties. They conduct initial assessments; coordinate and review programs for a case load; and monitor treatment to ensure compliance with their plans. The title is used by the Departments of Corrections and Human Services.

Workers in these positions provide a full range of professional nursing services in the care and treatment of patients. They maintain security of medical equipment and supplies which could be used as weapons. These positions exist statewide, primarily within the Department of Human Services, Public Health, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Services.

Rehabilitation Counselor Trainees participate in a six to twelve month training period completing assignments to develop knowledge and skills in the areas of: assessing client’s rehabilitation or habilitation potential; counseling clients; referring clients to professional sources to facilitate their rehabilitation and assessing clients in job searches. These positions are allocated to the Department of Rehabilitation Services statewide.

Revenue Auditor Trainees are in a training period of six to twelve months receiving classroom and on-the-job training in tax auditing. Assignments are carried out both in-house and in field settings. These positions are in the Department of Revenue, primarily in Cook County; a few positions are located out of state.

These employees perform entry level social work duties and receive training in social work services and develop a progressively larger caseload under close supervision. Duties and client orientation vary as the positions are in the Department of Human Services, Corrections, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Services. Positions are located at several sites statewide.

Workers in this title perform professional social work services involving application of social work theory and principles in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents and adults with emotional, social, physical and/or developmental disorders. Duties are performed independently with only problem cases being referred to higher level staff for assistance. Duties and client orientation varies as the positions are located in the Department of Human Services, Corrections, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Services. These jobs are located statewide.

Workers in these positions perform nursing assistance and personal care services to patients with physical and/or mental impairments residing in homes or facilities operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These positions are located in Adams, LaSalle and Kankakee Counties.

Correctional Counselor I workers provide entry level professional counseling to offenders in the adult, juvenile and community service divisions of the Department of Corrections. They assist newly-admitted inmates to adjust to the correctional environment; prepare placement plans based upon evaluations of the inmates; and administer vocational, academic achievement and other standardized tests. Counseling is provided individually and in groups. Considerable report writing and documentation is involved in these jobs. These positions exist statewide.

Corrections Parole Agent I incumbents are responsible for case management and rehabilitation duties for adult or juvenile parolees. These positions are located throughout the state and the jobs require a substantial amount of travel. They assist parolees in adjusting to life outside the correctional facility and monitor their activities to ensure that they are obeying the conditions of their parole.

These caseworkers manage a public assistance caseload. Case management includes: providing self-sufficiency evaluations and coaching; completing comprehensive assessments; ensuring clients receive transitional and long-term services; determining eligibility for services; explaining eligibility requirements; responding to requests for general information, crisis assistance, utility assistance, substitute parental/child care, shelter and individual and family grants.

Associates perform technical work in a state laboratory setting with specimens not derived from the human body. Tests are limited to those where results are obvious. Support functions such as media and sample preparation and equipment maintenance and repair are included in these positions. Positions exist in Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Public Health agencies.

Revenue Tax Specialist Trainees participate in an agency-sponsored training program instructing them in tax laws, tax forms, research methods, communication skills and computer skills. They also receive training work assignments of increasing levels of complexity. These positions are all in the Department of Revenue at various offices statewide.