Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee

HCCSTL; Kankakee, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Human Services (Division of Rehabilitation Services) is seeking a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee in Kankakee. You will participate in a 12-month training program to learn policy, manage caseloads, and assist individuals with disabilities toward competitive employment.

Travel to meetings and staff trainings is required as part of the role. This salaried position offers comprehensive state benefits, a hybrid work arrangement, and opportunities to develop in

Qualifications

• Requires a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related field (CORE accredited preferred).
• Must be able to travel for duties, including overnight stays as needed.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for coordinating caseloads.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee for up to 12 months.
• Learn and proficiently use the Division’s case management system.
• Travel to attend staff meetings, conferences, and trainings related to rehabilitation counseling.
• Perform other duties within the scope of rehabilitation counseling as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (CORE)

Tools

Case management system

Job description

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee

Job Requisition ID: 58847

Closing Date: 10/13/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

Class Title: REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE - 38159

Skill Option: Vocational Rehab- Credential / Rehab. Counselor Trainee

Salary: $5,328-$7,480/month ($63,936-$89,760/year)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

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: 285 N Schuyler Ave, Kankakee, Illinois, 60901

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services

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. 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.
• 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.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays 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 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.

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

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: