Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee

and the job listing Expires on July 14, 2025

Salary: Anticipated Salary: (Effective 7/1/25) $5,148 – $7,555 per month ($61,776 – $90,660 per year)

County: Randolph

Number of Vacancies: 1

***MUST APPLY ONLINE ***

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. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Posting Identification Number: 48136

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.

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.

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need all 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 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)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• 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

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