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Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee (UMP)
East Alton, IL, US, 62024
Job Requisition ID:49742
OpeningDate:11/06/2025Closing Date:11/20/2025Agency:Department of Human ServicesClass Title:REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE - 38159Skill Option:Vocational Rehab- Credential / Rehab. Counselor TraineeBilingual Option:Manual Communication (Sign)Salary:Anticipated Salary $5,148-$7,227/month ($61,776-$86,724/year) + bilingual payJob Type:SalariedCategory:Full TimeCounty:MadisonNumber of Vacancies:1Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit Comp Code:
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 theAdditional Documentssection 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.
All applicants who want to be considered for this positionMUSTapply electronically through the
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. 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, 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 pass the sign language assessment at the advanced level.*This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.
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.
Work Hours:Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch.
Work Location:606 W Saint Louis Ave, East Alton, Illinois, 62024
Division of Rehabilitation
Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services
Region 5
Agency Contact:DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov
Posting Group:Social Services
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:
- 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)
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
- 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://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
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 Title Descriptions . To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employee must apply internally and 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.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.
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:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market:St Louis
Freqently Asked Questions
This trainee position offers up to 12 months of immersive training in vocational rehabilitation policies and case management systems in East Alton. It focuses on building skills to effectively support individuals with disabilities toward competitive employment, setting a solid foundation for a career in rehabilitation counseling.
Applicants typically need a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field accredited by CORE. Passing an advanced-level sign language assessment is also essential, especially for positions requiring bilingual communication, enhancing employability in diverse rehabilitation environments.
Daily duties revolve around managing case records, learning rehabilitation techniques, attending trainings, and supporting clients in their employment goals. The role blends administrative tasks with hands-on client interaction, fostering professional growth in vocational rehabilitation.
Illinois DHS emphasizes equity and accessibility, providing a mission-driven environment with strong benefits like pension plans and paid leave. Trainees gain exposure to state-wide rehabilitation services, benefiting from structured upward mobility programs and a culture focused on social impact.
Working here offers a competitive salary range of $61,776 to $86,724 annually, plus bilingual pay. The location in Madison County provides access to diverse populations needing rehabilitation services, alongside stable government employment with excellent benefits and career advancement opportunities.
East Alton, near the St. Louis metro area, presents moderate competition due to government hiring protocols and specific credential requirements. Candidates with relevant master's degrees and sign language skills generally have an edge in securing these specialized rehabilitation roles.
East Alton's location offers manageable commute options for local residents and those in surrounding Madison County. Flexible work schedules are occasionally available, helping trainees maintain balance while fulfilling weekday office hours from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
The anticipated monthly salary spans from $5,148 to $7,227, translating to an annual range of approximately $61,776 to $86,724. Additional bilingual pay is available for qualified candidates, reflecting the specialized nature of this government rehabilitation role.
Absolutely. This position is designed as an upward mobility program, providing foundational experience, formal training, and exposure to diverse client cases. It's a strong stepping stone for those aiming to establish themselves professionally in rehabilitation counseling within public service.
Beyond competitive pay, DHS offers robust insurance options, pension plans, paid leave, and eligibility for loan forgiveness programs. The agency’s commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a supportive environment for trainee counselors to develop critical skills and advance professionally.
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