Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee

Location: Elgin, IL, US, 60123

Job Requisition ID:  42539

​Agency: Department of Human Services

Class Title: REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE - 38159 

Skill Option: Vocational Rehabilitation 

Bilingual Option: Manual Communication (Sign) 

Opening Date: 11/06/2024

Closing Date/Time: 11/20/2024

Salary: Anticipated Salary $4,952-$6,952/month ($59,424-$83,424/year) + bilingual pay

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

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

Work Location: 452 N McLean Blvd, Elgin, Illinois, 60123

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services

Region 2

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   This position will receive formal and informal training not to exceed twelve 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 DeafBlind.  The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills. 

Essential Functions

• 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 including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in a general vocational rehabilitation, transition, Secondary Transition Experience Program (STEP), or psychiatric 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 pass the assessment for sign language at the advanced level.

*  This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the 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 serves families in need 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 & part-time 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)
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 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