Peer Self Advocate (Personal Services Contract)

State-of-Illinois; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

The Division of Rehabilitation Services within the Department of Human Services is seeking a Peer Self Advocate to support individuals with disabilities in pursuing competitive employment and to provide information about career opportunities. This role involves presentations to sub-minimum wage earners and collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation staff.

We value diversity and invite applicants with lived experience of disability.

Qualifications

• A qualified applicant must be a person with a disability who previously worked for or received services from a 14(c) sub minimum wage provider (such as a rehabilitation facility or community rehabilitation center) and has since obtained competitive, integrated employment— meaning a job where the person earns at least minimum wage, works alongside people without disabilities, and has equal opportunities for pay and advancement. Current employment is not required.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Peer Self Advocate for the Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services.
• Provides presentations to sub-minimum wage earners to help prepare, obtain, maintain or regain competitive integrated employment.
• Travels to co-present with Vocational Rehabilitation staff regarding employment opportunities to groups of individuals receiving a sub minimum wage throughout the region.
• Participates in orientation and training which provides a general knowledge of programs service philosophies and objectives of the Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder relations

Public speaking

Confidential information handling

Job description

Peer Self Advocate (Personal Services Contract)

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

The State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID: 57741
Opening Date:09/25/2026
Closing Date:10/15/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:CONTRACTUAL WORKER - 10000
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:
Salary:Anticipated Salary: $25.31 - $33.41 per hour
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Part Time
Number of Vacancies:1
Bargaining Unit Code:None
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm, up to 7.5 hours per week
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661

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.

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.

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 agency 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. As a Peer Self Advocate for the Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services, attends and participates in planning and training sessions with Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) on Career Counseling and Information and Referral Services in preparation for statewide training to be conducted with providers who offer employment at a sub minimum wage.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Peer Self Advocate for the Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services.
• Provides presentations to sub-minimum wage earners to help prepare, obtain, maintain, advance or regain competitive integrated employment.
• Travels to co-present with Vocational Rehabilitation staff regarding employment opportunities to groups of individuals receiving a sub minimum wage throughout the region.
• Participates in orientation and training which provides a general knowledge of programs service philosophies and objectives of the Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• A qualified applicant must be a person with a disability who previously worked for or received services from a 14(c) sub minimum wage provider (such as a rehabilitation facility or community rehabilitation center) and has since obtained competitive, integrated employment— meaning a job where the person earns at least minimum wage, works alongside people without disabilities, and has equal opportunities for pay and advancement. Current employment is not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience effectively communicating in oral and written formats with internal and external stakeholders.
• One (1) year of experience maintaining professional working relationships with staff, customers, and public and encouraging respect for those of other cultures and backgrounds.
• One (1) year of experience presenting information for various audiences regarding personal experiences with employment.
• One (1) year of experience maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with professionalism.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel.

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

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.