Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

Community Network Specialist (Limited Service)**

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is seeking a full-time (40-hour week) Community Network Specialist. The selected candidate is responsible for leading the Champaign-Urbana Community Network Anchor for the Champaign Health Region. The position engages with Family Run Organizations and the Illinois Department of Public Health to implement best practices that strengthen local systems/networks supporting mental health, behavioral health, public health, wellness, family-centered care, and overall community well-being. The Community Network Specialist builds and sustains partnerships across communities and statewide to coordinate, fortify, and expand community networks, ensuring that families are meaningfully engaged in shaping the supports and resources they need to thrive.

**Note: Funding for this position is currently secured through June 2027. However, CUPHD and local partners are actively working to secure long-term funding to sustain this position beyond that date.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Network Anchor initiative, leading regional role in organizing, streamlining, and expanding networks that promote child, youth, and family well-being.

• Facilitate the regular convening of community networks that bring together diverse partners, including public health, mental and behavioral health providers, schools, family run and youth-led organizations, local government, healthcare systems, and advocacy groups.

• Develop and implement a regional Community Network Strategic Plan that establishes missions, goals, equity commitments, performance metrics, and sustainability strategies.

• Build and maintain partnerships with regional stakeholders to strengthen connections among community networks and state-level systems such as the BEACON Care Portal.

• Design and facilitate peer exchange opportunities that allow networks to share best practices, address gaps, and promote innovative approaches to family-centered care and crisis prevention.

• Recruit and support individuals with lived experience (e.g., parents, youth, and caregivers) as equal partners in network decision-making, including establishing frameworks compensation,leadership development, and removal of participation barriers.

• Collect and report regional data to IDPH and community partners, including meeting frequency, participation metrics, outcomes, and engagement with partners.

• Ensure timely submission of grant deliverables, including quarterly reports and evaluation materials, in coordination with District leadership and IDPH co-leads.

• Collaborate with local partners to implement community-based participatory research evaluation methods and create continuous feedback loops.

• Participate in IDPH-led Anchor meetings and technical-assistance sessions, representing the District and the Champaign Health Region.

• Assist with other projects and activities related to systems coordination, behavioral health transformation, and local community health improvement planning efforts, as assigned.

• Public Health Emergency Response Responsibilities: All District employees must be able to respond to public health emergencies when needed and appropriate. During an emergency response, employee may be assigned to a role in either operations, logistics, or administration by the Incident Commander and/or Section Chief in addition to regular duties.

• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, community health, behavioral health, social work, public administration, education, public policy, or a closely related field.

• OR 3–5 years of progressively responsible professional experience without a bachelor’s degree AND at least 2 years’ experience in coalition building, community engagement, or program coordination within public health, behavioral health, or social services systems.

• Experience working across multiple sectors – such as healthcare, education, and community-based organizations – is strongly preferred.

CUPHD provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• CUPHD offers qualified bilingual employees an additional $3.00 per hour, upon approval.

• Eligible employees may complete language proficiency testing upon hire and can begin receiving the stipend as soon as they are approved.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance with enrollment beginning on the employee’s first day of employment

• 14 paid holidays per year

• 12 sick days earned per year

• 15 days of paid time off earned in the first year of employment

• short-term and long-term disability benefits

• comprehensive pension plan offered through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)

The expected annual starting salary is $58,405. Full annual salary range for a Class 7 Community Network Specialist is $58,405 - $78,847 for a 40-hour week.

To apply, go to: https://secure4.saashr.com/ta/6173898.careers?CareersSearch. Applicants may also come in to apply online at CUPHD, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL 61820. For full consideration, you must complete the application process.

Men, Women, Veterans, and individuals of all abilities are encouraged to apply. CUPHD also strongly encourages people of color, transgender, and non-binary people to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you need accommodations to apply, please contact LaTasha Aragon at laragon@c-uphd.org. CUPHD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to join its team.

All employees must be fully vaccinated with the most-up-to-date (September 2025 and beyond) influenza (seasonally). All other vaccinations are highly recommended but not mandatory. vaccinations taken prior to September 2025 will not be accepted. Proof of vaccinations must be on file with Human Resources prior to start date.

The recruitment will remain open until filled.

Posted June 29, 2026