Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee

***Must apply on our website *** (Please copy the link and paste it into your internet browser)

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/55302/

Agency: Department of Human Services

Job Requisition ID: 55302

Location: Chicago, IL 60612

Opening Date: 4/27/2026

Closing Date: 5/08/2026

Bilingual Option: Spanish

Salary: Anticipated Salary (Eff 7/1/26) $5,328-$7,480/month ($63,936-$89,760/year) + bilingual pay

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

***MUST APPLY ONLINE ***

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

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.

Position Overview

The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the state’s lead division serving people with disabilities committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and racial justice.  The mission of the Division is to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals of employment, education, and independent living.  The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills.  This position coordinates customer case records and documents in a field office pertaining to service delivery activities to customers in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services/Vocational Rehabilitation Program.  This position will receive formal and informal training not to exceed twelve (12) months to learn the rules, regulations, and policies of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program to ultimately manage a caseload providing services to individuals with disabilities to gain competitive integrated employment.  This position interprets and translates information into Spanish for limited English-speaking individuals.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months, receives formal and informal orientation in the principles, techniques, procedures, and policies related to rehabilitating persons with disabilities in a general vocational rehabilitation, transition, Secondary Transition Experience Program (STEP), or specialty caseload.
• Studies and becomes proficient in utilizing the Division’s case management system. 
• Travels to attend and participate in staff meetings, conferences, workshops, and in-service training related to the discipline of rehabilitation counseling. 
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires possession of a Master’s Degree from a college or university program accredited by the Council On Rehabilitation Education (CORE) OR A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation administration, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, deaf education, special education, or a closely related field. 
• Requires the ability to speak, read and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level.

Conditions of Employment

• Travels in the performance of duties.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch.

Headquarter Location: 2753 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60647-5246

Division of Rehabilitation

Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services

Region 1

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Social Services

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need all across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
  Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually 
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
  10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
     * Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour Work Schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx