Human Services Sign Language Interpreter

Opening Date: 04/06/2026

Closing Date: 04/17/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

Class Title: HUMAN SERV SIGN LANG INTERPRETER (19810)

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,384 - $7,631 per month ($64,608 - $91,572 per year)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

Merit Comp Code

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 Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Human Services Sign Language Interpreter for the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center located in Chicago, Illinois to serve as an interpreter for civil and forensic psychiatric inpatient consumers who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and/or Deaf-Blind in a variety of situations such as admission/discharges, individual patient and group counseling sessions, fitness restoration, treatment/discharge planning, medical appointments, phone calls and family visits. Also provides interpreting services for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing state employees. Coordinates interpreter services for in-house and agency interpreters. Provides staff instruction in sign language, deafness, Deaf Culture and working with an interpreter.

Essential Functions

• Serves as an interpreter for civil and forensic psychiatric inpatient consumers who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and/or Deaf-Blind in a variety of situations such as admission/discharges, individual patient and group counseling sessions, fitness restoration, treatment/discharge planning, phone calls and family visits.
• Interprets admission and discharge procedures, and phone calls and visits with collaterals.
• Coordinates in-house and agency interpreter services for staff and/or consumers.
• Interprets for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing staff during orientation, trainings, special seminars, facility/ unit/department meetings, etc. as related to Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery/Department of Human Services (DHS) job duties. Travels in the performance of job duties.
• Provides staff instruction in sign language, deafness, Deaf Culture and how to work with an interpreter.
• Participates in DHS and Chicago-Read Mental Health Center mandatory training.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of high school, plus a valid interpreter license in accordance with the interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 at the Advanced Proficiency License level as mandated by 68 Illinois Administrative Code Part 1515.
• Additionally requires one year of experience in the fields of disabilities or behavioral health.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.

Work Hours: Various shifts, see below.

Monday - Friday with the choice of 7:00am - 3:00pm or 7:30am - 3:30pm or 8:00am - 4:00pm or 8:30 - 4:30pm or 9:00am - 5:00pm. Each shift requires 1 late day a week of 11:00am - 7:00pm or 12:00pm - 8:00pm or 1:00pm - 9:00pm; Every weekend off with the exception of working one weekend day every six weeks with the corresponding Tuesday off; 30-minute unpaid lunch; Unit A South

Headquarter Location: 4200 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60634

Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery

Chicago-Read Mental Health Center

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: ***email_hidden***

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 Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com 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 career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – 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]