REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE (UMP)

State of Illinois; Peoria (IL); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave

Flexible Work Schedules

Deferred Compensation Program

Job summary

State of Illinois is hiring a Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee in Peoria to coordinate customer case records for the Division of Rehabilitation Services. The role includes formal and informal training to manage a caseload for individuals with disabilities, with emphasis on using manual communication for Deaf/Hard of Hearing clients.

Hybrid work schedule may apply. Essential functions cover orientation, case-management system use, and participation in staff meetings.

Qualifications

• Requires a Master’s Degree from a CORE-accredited program or in rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation administration, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, deaf education, or a closely related field.
• Ability to pass the advanced level sign language assessment.
• Willingness to travel with overnight stays as required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee for up to 12 months, with orientation to rehabilitation program policies and caseload management.
• Study and become proficient in the Division’s case management system and related procedures.
• Travel to attend meetings, conferences, and trainings; participate in staff orientations.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Skills

Sign language proficiency

Education

Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or CORE-accredited program

Job description

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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

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., 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: 59366
Opening Date:10/13/2026
Closing Date:10/26/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE - 38159
Skill Option:Vocational Rehab- Credential / Rehab. Counselor Trainee
Bilingual Option:Manual Communication (Sign)
Salary:Anticipated Salary: $5,328-$7,480/month ($63,936-$89,760/year) + bilingual pay
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies:1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch
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: 211 Fulton St, Peoria, Illinois, 61602

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services

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 Documentssection of yourapplication. 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 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. This position coordinates customer case records and documents in a field office pertaining to the service delivery activities to customers in the Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services/Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee 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 requires the use of manual communication skills in working with individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or Deafblind. Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity, accessibility, and racial justice by contributing to an inclusive learning and working environment. The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills.

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. Attends new employee orientation.
• 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 pass the assessment for sign language at the advanced level.

*Qualifying state employees, in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this class.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to travel with overnight stay as appropriate.

*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 the 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.

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

• 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)
• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard 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)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill®Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP) . General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles .To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).