Learning and Development Specialist - School of Social Work, Office of Workforce Development

Learning and Development Specialist - School of Social Work, Office of Workforce Development

School of Social Work, Office of Workforce Development

Located Statewide in Illinois

Job Summary

Collaborate with team members, subject matter experts, and facilitators to develop and implement creative, engaging, and high-quality learning and development solutions for the workforce, across all levels and job classifications.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Curriculum and content development
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts and facilitators to determine learning needs and analyze learning gaps, and to assist in the development of learning paths.
  • Design, develop and implement innovative and impactful curricula using advanced learning theory and technologies that comply with state and federal mandates such as Title II ADA guidelines.
  • Design and develop core curriculum and professional skills solutions based on learning paths and level-specific competencies, across service lines.
  • Review and enhance learning content to ensure level appropriateness and consistency with learning objectives related to child safety, permanency and well-being.
  • Serve as one of the Subject Matter Experts on direct or non-direct child welfare curriculum content in developing instructional materials, lessons, and activities including scripts, narratives and audio files.
  • Research best practices, content, rules, policies, and procedures for ensuring up to date content is included in training material, and that training material is in alignment with Illinois child welfare related rules and procedures.
  • Advise on best practices for content creation and execution using innovative organizational development and/or adult learning techniques, principles, theory, and online learning technologies.
• Project Management
  • Plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to efficiently manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Use project management tools, workflows, and methodologies to track progress, and adjust schedules to ensure timely delivery of project milestones, program deliverables, and expectations.
• Transfer of Training
  • Responsible for training trainers on new material, facilitator preparedness and effectiveness, and onsite learning facilitation, as needed.
  • Serve as liaison between trainers and curriculum design team.
• Technology Management
  
  • Support the design of learning content and experiences that leverages technology to meet the needs of a diverse set of learning styles, through learning and proficiency of available instructional technology, researching and recommending new instructional technology as needed, and collaborating with other Workforce Development staff to ensure functionality and quality user experience of instructional technology. Assist with implementing instructional technology for effective and efficient training delivery.
• 
  Other duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements

Statewide Travel required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, curriculum development, organizational development, organizational psychology, social work, education, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and/or training delivery for Child Welfare staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in either direct or non-direct service in Illinois Child Welfare field.
• Experience with eLearning resources and authoring tools software.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to learn and enhance knowledge in adult learning and design.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational, interpersonal, teaming, and communication skills.
• Knowledge and/or the ability to learn and research the ADA online education requirements (strong understanding of WCAG 2.1 level AA guidelines).
• Ability to take initiative, demonstrate adaptability, act in a self-directed manner, and to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Innovative and solutions-oriented thinker with excellent judgment and professionalism.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).

Appointment Information

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 positing closes. The salary for this position is $62,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. Hybrid work options may be available for this position with the ability to be on-site as needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday November 24th, 2025. 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. For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.