SOCIAL SERVICES CAREER TRAINEE

Job Requisition ID: 49132

Opening Date: 08/27/2025
Closing Date: 09/10/2025
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: SOCIAL SERVICES CAREER TRAINEE - 41320
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: Polish
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $4,586 - $6,228 per month ($55,032 - $74,736 per year) + Bilingual Pay
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 4
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

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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 Family & Community Services is seeking to hire an energetic and detail-oriented Social Services Career Trainee to receive on the job training for a period of six to twelve months in receiving and assisting customers seeking public assistance services available through Department of Human Services (DHS) programs in the Special Units Office. This position will develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to manage a public assistance caseload such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) including earned income cases, Medical Assistance No Grant (MANG) including Spenddown cases, Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD), Group Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other such cases. This position also informs clients of the changes in the State’s Welfare Programs, work incentive programs, child support services and encourages client participation in these programs; receives training in managing earned income cases and in determining continued eligibility for TANF; evaluates requests and identifies special needs of client for referral to appropriate services; and receives training in records and updating case status changes, such as change in address, unit composition and number, budget computation, SNAP and medical eligibility. The Division helps Illinois residents by connecting them with many programs and services. Through our programs, services and prevention efforts, the Division improves the health and well-being of individuals and promotes self-sufficiency and integrity of families of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Receives on the job training for a period of six to twelve months to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to manage a public assistance caseload such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) including earned income cases, Medical Assistance No Grant (MANG) including Spenddown cases, Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD), Group Care, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or other such cases.
• Informs clients of the changes in the State’s Welfare Programs, work incentive programs, child support services and encourages client participation in these programs.
• Receives training in managing earned income cases and in determining continued eligibility for TANF.
• Translates functions/procedures into Polish for individuals who cannot speak or read English, with the general public, advocacy groups, customers and community organizations.
• Evaluates requests and identifies special needs of client for referral to appropriate services.
• Receives training in records and updating case status changes, such as, change in address, unit composition and number, budget computation, SNAP and medical eligibility.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in social science or a related field of the social sciences.
• Requires the ability to speak, read and write Polish at a colloquial skill level.

Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm

Work Location: 6200 N. Hiawatha Ave.; Chicago, IL 60646 (approximately 10-12 weeks) prior to being detailed to 2753 W. North Ave.; Chicago, IL 60647 (Humboldt Park FCRC) on a temporarily permanent basis until a suitable full time permanent office location is identified for Special Units, at which time all Special Units staff will be relocated to the new location.

Division of Family and Community Services

Region 1 North

Special Units Office/Cook County

Agency Contact: [email protected]

Posting Group: Social Services

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)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time 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:

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this 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 to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

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

State employees: Log in to the for State employees and review the

Non-State employees: on – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

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:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]