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LCA Counselor

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), 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.
Date:  Jul 24, 2025
Location: 

Rantoul, IL, US, 61866

Job Requisition ID:  48718

Agency:  Department of Military Affairs  
Salary:  Anticipated Starting Salary $4,143 monthly; Full Range $3,581- $4,808 monthly. 
Job Type:  Salaried Full-Time
County:  Champaign; Effingham; Madison; Menard; Sangamon 
Number of Vacancies:  3

Department: Lincoln's Challenge Academy

Work Location: 212 W Borman Dr, Rantoul, Illinois, 61866 

Schedule:  8h daily, M-F

Hours: 8am - 4pm. Can vary based on mission requirements

Date Posted:  7/24/25

Last Day to Apply: 8/7/25

BID NOTICE #: 48718

 

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 Department of Military Affairs is looking to hire a Counselor for the Lincoln's Challenge Academy located in Rantoul, IL.This position under the direct supervision of the LCA Lead Counselor, performs non-clinical/non-therapeutic guidance and counseling services in the following areas: career planning, job placement, independent living, substance abuse, crisis, stress and anger management, etc. through individual and group sessions.  The Department of Military Affairs works with the members of the Illinois Air and Army National Guard.  We welcome all interested applicants to apply.

Essential Functions

  • Provides ongoing mental health support and guidance for cadets and staff.
  • Responsible for curriculum research, analysis, development, and instruction of life coping skills, anger management, stress management, and resiliency in a classroom environment.
  • Responsible for curriculum research, analysis development, and instruction for LCA staff.
  • Conducts extensive evaluation, at a secondary level, as needed, of cadet progress and adjustment at the Academy. 

Essential Functions Cont.

  • Provides individual and group counseling.
  • Serves as the proponent authority for policies, procedures and regulatory guidance associated with the functions of the Counselor position. 
  • Refers cadets for professional treatment services when required.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent with course work in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related area of study with an emphasis on mental health.
  • Requires two years professional experience in guidance counseling, behavioral, social sciences, or a related field.
  • Requires certification in Trauma Informed Care methods and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prefers Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed social Worker (LSW), or Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW).
  • Prefers a master’s degree in counseling or social work.

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires the ability to pass a DoD background investigation.
  • Requires a valid driver’s license in the appropriate classification as required by law.
  • Requires the ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary to meet agency needs.

Agency Contact:  Sherri White-Taylor

Email:  SHERRI.WHITE-TAYLOR@ILLINOIS.GOV

Posting Group: Social Services

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 into 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.

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:

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program. 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, 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.

*NOTE:  The Department of Military Affairs does not discriminate against any individual because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or unfavorable discharge from military service in connection with employment, real estate transactions, access to financial credit, and the availability of public accommodations in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Constitution, Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Acts, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the U.S. Constitution.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Office is responsible for compliance and may be reached at 217/557-5667.

Department of Defense (DOD) background check and receipt of a DOD Common Access Card (CAC) is required for this position.


Nearest Major Market: Champaign
Nearest Secondary Market: Urbana

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