School Counselor Jobs in Illinois

School Counselor jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand across K-12 public schools, community colleges, and charter networks at every level from entry-level counselors to seasoned department leads. Chicago Public Schools, Community Unit School District 300, and Naperville Community Unit School District 203 are among the state's most established employers, with steady hiring in and around Chicago, Rockford, and the Naperville-Aurora corridor. The most sought-after specializations include college and career readiness counseling, social-emotional learning support, and crisis intervention. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles22
Top employerChicago Public Schools
Top cityChicago, IL
Cities hiring16
Work type100% On-site
Top credentialMaster's degree in social work

Showing 5 of 22+ School Counselor jobs

School-Based Child & Youth Assignment Ready Counselor (ARC) - MFLC
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Added 3d ago
School-Based Child & Youth Assignment Ready Counselor (ARC) - MFLC
Blue Rose Consulting Group, Inc.
Scott AFB, Illinois
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
51-200

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School Social Worker - Mental Health Counselor
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Added 4d ago
School Social Worker - Mental Health Counselor
School of Expressive Arts and Learning
Romeoville, Illinois
Community & Nonprofit Services
Human Resources
Social Work & Counseling
On-Site
Master's degree in social work

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School-Based Licensed Mental Health Counselor
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Added 5d ago
School-Based Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Touch of Wholeness Psychological Services
Matteson, Illinois
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$33.7 - $36.04/hr
On-Site
QMHP Certification

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After School Counselor - Hiawatha
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Added 1w ago
After School Counselor - Hiawatha
YMCA
Kirkland, Illinois
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
On-Site
51-200

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SY 26-27 Anticipated Temporary School Counselor
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Added 1w ago
SY 26-27 Anticipated Temporary School Counselor
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, Illinois
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$64k.94 - $83k.39/yr
High school graduation planning
10,000+

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See All 22 School Counselor Jobs in Illinois

Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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School Counselor Jobs by City in Illinois

Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Chicago
5 jobs
Scott AFB
2 jobs
Cairo
1 job
DeKalb
1 job
Joliet
1 job
Normal
1 job
Quincy
1 job
Decatur
1 job
Elmhurst
1 job

School Counselor Job Market in Illinois

A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Chicago Public Schools2 open roles
Blue Rose Consulting Group2 open roles
YMCA1 open role

What Illinois Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in school counselor jobs across Illinois.

  • Active Illinois Professional Educator License with School Counselor endorsement required
  • Master's degree in school counseling or closely related counseling field
  • Completion of an ISBE-approved school counselor preparation program
  • Experience or supervised practicum hours in a K-12 school setting
  • Strong knowledge of ASCA National Model and Illinois social-emotional learning standards
  • Proficiency with student information systems such as Skyward or PowerSchool

School Counselor Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a school counselor in Illinois?

To become a school counselor in Illinois, you must hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counselor endorsement, issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. This requires completing a master's degree from an ISBE-approved school counselor preparation program and fulfilling supervised field experience hours. Candidates must also pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System exams required for the endorsement before the license is granted.

Which companies hire school counselors in Illinois?

Employers hiring school counselors in Illinois right now include Chicago Public Schools, Blue Rose Consulting Group, and YMCA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's large public school systems and growing charter networks generate the most consistent year-round openings in the state.

Which Illinois cities have the most school counselor jobs?

Chicago, Scott AFB, and Illinois have the most school counselor openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the highest volume by far as home to one of the largest public school districts in the country, while Rockford and the Naperville-Aurora area generate strong demand through their large suburban school districts and growing student populations.

Are there remote school counselor jobs in Illinois?

Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of school counselor openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the fundamentally in-person nature of the role. Virtual or hybrid arrangements are most common in college and career advising, tele-counseling support roles, and positions at online or hybrid learning programs rather than traditional K-12 buildings.

How can I get hired as a school counselor in Illinois with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is completing a supervised practicum or internship through an ISBE-approved program, which many Illinois universities place directly within partnering school districts. Chicago Public Schools and large suburban districts in the Naperville and Rockford areas regularly host graduate interns who later convert to full-time roles. Candidates coming from adjacent positions such as social worker, teacher, or academic advisor have a clear advantage, particularly if they hold or are pursuing their PEL with School Counselor endorsement.

Where can I find and apply to school counselor jobs in Illinois?

You can find and apply to school counselor jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across school districts, charter networks, and other educational institutions. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.

See All 22 School Counselor Jobs in Illinois

Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find School Counselor Jobs