University of Illinois Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC)

Assistant Director of Research & Practice Initiatives

This position can be located at any DSCC office located through out the State of Illinois: Chicago, Springfield, Mokena, Lombard, Rockford, Peoria, Champaign, O'Fallon, Marion, or Olney.

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) seeks an Assistant Director of Research & Practice Initiatives to assist with oversight of care coordination efforts provided throughout the state for children and youth with special health care needs enrolled in DSCC’s Connect Care, Core, or Home Care Programs. The Assistant Director of Research & Practice Initiatives will collaborate closely with the Assistant Directors of Operations for the Core, Connect Care, and Home Care Programs on care coordination efforts statewide. This Assistant Director will work closely with the Associate Director of Care Coordination to help ensure DSCC care coordination practices align with best practice standards and remain evidence informed. This individual will also have a role in the development of a population-based health strategy for DSCC.

Job Responsibilities (Essential Duties)

• Assists the Associate Director of Care Coordination with oversight of care coordination efforts across the state of Illinois. Ensures operational practices align with contract requirements.
• Conducts evidence-based practice reviews on various elements of DSCC care coordination practices. Disseminates findings among the DSCC leadership team and makes recommendations to keep DSCC practices evidence informed.
• Assists in the development and facilitation of DSCC’s population-based health strategies. • Makes recommendations for policy and procedure revisions as needed.
• Develops communication plans and change management approaches for use with various initiatives involving DSCC care coordination efforts.
• Participates in the development of the DSCC organizational strategic plan. Is responsible for following through on various elements under the strategic plan that fall under areas of care coordination for the Connect Care program (along with care coordination leadership team).
• Serve as a DSCC liaison for research projects involving DSCC as a partner to ensure the integrity of DSCC care coordination practices.
• Help to identify ways DSCC practices can be used for research and assist in the development & facilitation of related research protocols.Partner with DSCC Leadership to ensure the facilitation of care coordination services and preparation for future practice changes that help DSCC continue to ensure enrollment in programs of service.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, health related or other human services discipline required. Master’s degree preferred.
Prior experience in positions of leadership.
Experience with case management/care coordination activities.
Knowledge of care coordination practices required.
Experience working with Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care, or other insurance company preferred. Experience working in pediatric health related field preferred.
Strong leadership, presentation and communication skills, and an understanding of change management. Good public speaking skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
Skilled in conducting literature reviews using health information databases such as OVID, cinahl, or pubmed.
Ability to critically evaluate research and translate findings to others.
Quick thinking with good problem management skills.
Familiarity with interpreting research and understanding of how to conduct evidence-based practice review preferred.
An understanding of needs impacting the child or youth with special health care needs in the domains of health, education, community, and benefits preferred.
Occasional travel throughout the state required.
This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position.
For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by 5/20/2022 at https://jobs.uic.edu/job-board
Division of Specialized Care for Children Human Resource Office
3135 Old Jacksonville Rd
Springfield, IL 62704
217/558-2350
The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx? portalId=4292&pageId=1411899
University of Illinois faculty, staff and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes