CHIEF NURSE

Overview

Job

Requisition
Closing Date: 02/17/2026
Agency:
Department of Children and Family Services
Class

Title:

PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015
Skill Option:
Special License - Registered Nurse License
Bilingual Option:
None
Salary:
Anticipated Starting Salary $10,000 to $12,000 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:
Full Time
County:
Cook

Number of Vacancies : 1
Bargaining Unit Code:
None
Merit Comp Code:
Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU UPLOAD COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS AND RESUME.

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Chief Nurse. Under administrative direction, this position will provide around the clock availability to respond to consultations regarding medically complex children who are new to the system and to approve specialized foster care on an emergency basis, due to medically complex needs.

The position provides oversight to regional nurses throughout the state and renders final decisions on complex or conflicting matters related to the nursing program. This position provides a great opportunity for a compassionate medical professional who is focused on ensuring that children in the care of DCFS receive the best health care possible. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program.

The ideal candidate for this position will have exemplary medical skills, strong leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

• Serves as Chief Nurse for the Department, providing around the clock availability to respond to consultations regarding medically complex children who are new to the system and to approve specialized foster care on an emergency basis, due to medically complex needs.
• Provides oversight of consultation and analysis to include health-related concerns in investigations reports, complex health records, and other related materials, youth with special health care needs, treatment planning and referrals, routine health check measures and cross divisional communication.
• Develops strategies for the application of nursing services in all functions/units within the Department, specifically protective service investigations, family preservation, and services to children in placement.
• Serves as full line supervisor.
• Provides input into the recruitment and hiring of all nursing personnel.
• Serves as the senior consultant to the Deputy Director, senior management staff, and Regional Administrators regarding nursing services.
• In association with the Department's Medical Director, serves as Department liaison to community health programs and major medical, psychological, psychiatric, and substance abuse facilities in the state.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

• Requires a master's degree in nursing or a related human services degree.
• Requires five years of…