Counselor Jobs in Illinois
Counselor jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Springfield, and Rockford, where large employer networks like Advocate Health Care, Lurie Children's Hospital, and the Illinois Department of Human Services maintain consistent hiring pipelines. The most in-demand specialties include school counseling, substance abuse counseling, and mental health counseling, with openings at every level from entry-level case managers to licensed clinical supervisors. Illinois is one of the more active markets in the Midwest for counseling roles, reflecting ongoing investment in behavioral health and school-based services. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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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.
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/10/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE - 38159
Skill Option: Vocational Rehab- Credential / Rehab. Counselor Trainee
Bilingual Option: Spanish
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,328-$7,480/month ($63,936-$89,760/year) + bilingual pay
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch.
Anticipated 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 need
Headquarter Location: 2753 W North Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60647
Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@Illinois.gov
Why Work for 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. The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills. This position coordinates customer case records and documents in a field office pertaining to service delivery activities to customers in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services/Vocational Rehabilitation Program. This 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 interprets and translates information into Spanish for limited English-speaking individuals.
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.
- 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 speak, read and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level.
- This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays 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.
- 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)
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
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.
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/10/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE - 38159
Skill Option: Vocational Rehab- Credential / Rehab. Counselor Trainee
Bilingual Option: Spanish
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,328-$7,480/month ($63,936-$89,760/year) + bilingual pay
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch.
Anticipated 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 need
Headquarter Location: 2753 W North Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60647
Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@Illinois.gov
Why Work for 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. The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills. This position coordinates customer case records and documents in a field office pertaining to service delivery activities to customers in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services/Vocational Rehabilitation Program. This 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 interprets and translates information into Spanish for limited English-speaking individuals.
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.
- 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 speak, read and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level.
- This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays 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.
- 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)
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
See All 143+ Counselor Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Counselor JobsCounselor Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Counselor Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in counselor jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor credential required
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, or a closely related field
- Experience with evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as CBT or motivational interviewing
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems used in clinical or school settings
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documentation and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with Illinois HIPAA and DCFS reporting requirements
Counselor Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a counselor in Illinois?
To become a counselor in Illinois, you must earn a master's degree in counseling or a related field and then obtain licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which issues the Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor credentials. The process includes completing supervised clinical hours and passing the National Counselor Examination. School counselors must additionally hold an Illinois Educator License with a School Counselor endorsement issued by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Which companies hire counselors in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring counselors in Illinois include Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare, and Ascension, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's large integrated health systems, community mental health centers, and the state's extensive public school network collectively make it one of the more consistent hiring markets for counseling professionals in the Midwest.
Which Illinois cities have the most counselor jobs?
Chicago, Elgin, and Peoria lead Illinois in counselor openings. Chicago dominates because of its concentration of hospital systems, community mental health agencies, and Chicago Public Schools, while Springfield and Rockford generate steady demand through state government behavioral health programs, regional medical centers, and expanding school district counseling mandates that have increased headcount across those metros in recent years.
Are there remote counselor jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because many counseling roles involve in-person sessions, school presence, or hands-on crisis response. About 34% of counselor openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with telehealth counseling and some employee assistance program roles being the segments most likely to offer fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a counselor in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a counselor intern or case manager role while completing your supervised clinical hours toward Illinois licensure. Large Illinois employers such as Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare, Thresholds, and the Chicago Public Schools system regularly bring on pre-licensed counselors who are working toward their LPC under supervision. Holding a provisional Licensed Professional Counselor credential from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation signals readiness to employers and opens doors that require licensure in progress rather than full licensure.
Where can I find and apply to counselor jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to counselor jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Illinois employers across clinical, school, and community settings. Search the listings for roles that match your license status, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 143+ Counselor Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Counselor Jobs