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REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE (UMP)

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 CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 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). 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.
Date:  Jun 27, 2025
Location: 

Chester, IL, US, 62233-2542

Job Requisition ID:  48136

Job Requisition ID: 48136

Opening Date: 06/30/2025
Closing Date: 07/14/2025
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE - 38159 
Skill Option: Facility - Credential / Rehab. Counselor Trainee - UMP Credential 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: (Effective 7/1/25) $5,148 - $7,555 per month ($61,776 - $90,660 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Randolph
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062
Merit 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 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.

 

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

 

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 Mental Health is seeking to hire a Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee for the Chester Mental Health Center located in Chester, Illinois to perform professional vocational/educational guidance and counseling work with patients with serious and chronic mental illness. Reviews clinical documentation and administer evaluations to assess educational and vocational skills and interests of the person. Develops vocational assessments to establish achievable employment and educational objectives based upon the individual’s abilities and preferences.

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 and mental illness living on a forensic unit.

  • Receives orientation and on-the-job training in developing and conducting living skills training programs; learns to incorporate and the adjunctive relationship of living skills and the independent living programs with the vocational rehabilitation training and services; conducts progressively more difficult individual and group living skills training and counseling programs; serves as an advocate between the patient and step down facilities.

  • With guidance and direction from the Rehabilitation Director, requests grant funding, applies living skills funds to appropriate rehabilitation programs, keeps records and supporting documentation for audits; maintains files, documentation and statistical data.

  • Receives training in how to identify options for CPI (non-crisis intervention techniques) and best practice treatment interventions in lieu of restraints/seclusion.

  • Consults with the treatment team regarding resources and recommendations to support the patient after discharge.

  • Attends and actively participates in all mandatory training.

  • Performs other duties as required or assigned 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.

*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 ability to attend and pass all mandatory training sessions, workshops, and conferences.

  • Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends, and holidays.

  • Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.

  • Requires the ability to physically restrain patients as necessary to prevent injury to patient or others.

  • Requires the ability to obtain and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate.

  • Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties.

  • Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.

  • Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.

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

Work Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 4:30pm; 30-minute unpaid lunch 
Work Location: 1315 Lehmen Dr, Chester, Illinois, 62233-2542  

Division of Mental Health

Chester Mental Health Center

Rehabilitation Services
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://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

 

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

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