State of Illinois logo
State of Illinois
Peoria, Illinois

REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE (UMP)

CounselorNo weekendsNo nightsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$64k-$90k

The week · per this posting · Monday – FridayWeekdays only

Ask the employer about the work setting and call expectations.

Posted 1h ago · Verified live

Job Description

Job Requisition ID: 59366 Opening Date: 10/13/2026Closing Date: 10/26/2026Agency: Department of Human ServicesClass Title: REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE - 38159 Skill Option: Vocational Rehab- Credential / Rehab. Counselor Trainee Bilingual Option: Manual Communication (Sign)Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,328-$7,480/month ($63,936-$89,760/year) + bilingual payJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time Number of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit Comp Code: Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunchAnticipated 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 needHeadquarter Location: 211 Fulton St, Peoria, Illinois, 61602

  • Division of Rehabilitation Services
  • Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services
  • Region 3
  • Work County: PeoriaAgency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@Illinois.gov

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 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.

This position requires the use of manual communication skills in working with individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or Deafblind. Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity, accessibility, and racial justice by contributing to an inclusive learning and working environment.

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. Attends new employee orientation.

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.

*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 the ability to travel with overnight stay 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:

  • 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)

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
  • Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: cms.illinois.gov

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 Titles.

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.

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

Application Instructions

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the Current Employee Guide at Application Procedures or by logging in to the career portal for State employees and viewing the instructions on Completing the Electronic Application.

Non-State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the External Applicant Guide at Application Procedures or from Illinois.jobs2web.com – click Application Resources in the footer of every page of the website.

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of the 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 via the Employee Login link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to their career portal.

Non-State employees should click the Sign Up link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to an existing external account or to create a new external account.

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

Key Responsibilities

The position coordinates customer case records and manages a caseload to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving employment and independent living goals. The trainee will undergo a 12-month orientation to learn program regulations and provide services to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or Deafblind.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Additionally, the role requires the ability to pass an advanced-level sign language assessment.

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)

Key Skills

Disability ServicesCustomer ServicePolicy ComplianceTime Management

Rehabilitation Counseling — Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Rehabilitation Counseling listings this role was benchmarked against, 44% are remote, 24% have no call, 62% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$77k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $77k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

State of Illinois ranks #11 of 31 employers hiring Counselor on WeekdayDoc by average advertised pay, and holds silver-tier status on the Top Employers work-life index, composite score 73/100, 49 active listings.

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE (UMP) at State of Illinois a 6.5 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% in Rehabilitation Counseling — ranked against 35 active Rehabilitation Counseling listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements, no night shifts.

Top Counselor Jobs

49 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution49 jobs · 39 employers

18
<$70k
20
$70k-90k
4
$90k-110k
6
$110k-130k
1
$155k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks42 jobs · 39 employers

401k / retirement match
83% this job
Sign-on bonus
45%
CME allowance
26%
Loan repayment
21% this job
PSLF eligible
17% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Dental Therapist

InterDent Service · Salem, Oregon

From $155k
#2

Clinical Therapist

Counseling Works · Naperville, Illinois

$104k-$127k
#3

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist - LICSW/LPCC/LMFT

$74k-$126k
#4

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT, LPC, LCSW)

$92k-$125k
+ 47 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.4this job 6.5
Better work-life than 80% of Rehabilitation Counseling listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 35 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • No weekends
  • No nights
  • On-site

Living in Peoria

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$153k≈ 2.4× annual pay
Typical market rent
$1,266/mo≈ 24% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
18 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
91.2
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Peoria, IL metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

State of Illinois logo

About State of Illinois

Individual and Family Services
Springfield, Illinois
1,001-5,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Pension Program
Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
12 Paid Sick days annually
10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually
13 Paid Holidays annually
Flexible Work Schedules
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave