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, your part of something bigger 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 provides professional instruction and counseling in independent living skills to individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Deaf Blind in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services/ICRE Wood Facility working with customers in their home environment and/or group or classroom setting. Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity, accessibility, and racial justice by contributing to an including working and learning 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 Rehabilitation Instructor.
• Manages caseload of customers who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Deaf Blind.
• Establishes and nurtures effective working relationships with customers.
• Participates in staff meetings and assists with training for trainee level staff.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a master's degree with major coursework in rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation teaching, guidance and counseling, orientation and mobility, low vision and blindness, special education or a closely related field.
• Requires one (1) year professional experience in rehabilitation instruction and counseling such as could be gained from completion of an agency-sponsored training program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience assessing individual needs and developing and implementing a plan of services outlining individualized short and long-range goals of personal and home management and independent living for individuals who are visually impaired, blind or Deaf/Blind.
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with federal statutes related to rehabilitation programs such as the Rehabilitation Act and amendments, the Social Security Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Workforce Innovative Opportunities Act (WIOA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act, etc.
• Two (2) years of professional experience researching and remaining up to date on trends including accessibility, teaching techniques and assistive technology.
• Two (2) years of professional experience establishing trusting relationships and communicating clearly and effectively with customers, family members, coworkers, providers, and employers.
• Two (2) years of professional experience researching and adopting an effective course of action as it relates to services, barriers and concerns for individuals who are visually impaired, blind, or Deaf/Blind to reach their potential.
• Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing, reading and writing braille.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel to provide services in the customer’s home, residential setting or group setting as well as in the built environment.
• Requires ability to physically access the customer’s home environment and/or work environment and use public transportation.
• 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 as listed in the job description.