Social Services Career Trainee

Job Requisition : 52583

Opening Date: 01/16/2026

Closing Date: 01/30/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

Class

Title:

SOCIAL SERVICES CAREER TRAINEE - 41320

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: $4,586 - $6,228 per month ($55,032 - $74,736 per year)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Stephenson

Number of Vacancies: 2

Union Position: This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

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 the Stephenson Office. The trainee will develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to manage a public assistance caseload such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Medical Assistance No Grant (MANG), Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD), Group Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other related cases.

The trainee will also inform clients of changes in the state’s welfare programs, work incentive programs, child support services, and encourage client participation; evaluate requests, identify special needs for referral, and maintain accurate case records and status updates.

• Receive 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 TANF, MANG, AABD, Group Care, SNAP and other cases.
• Inform clients of changes in the state’s welfare programs, work incentive programs, child support services and encourage client participation in these programs.
• Receive training in managing earned income cases and determining continued eligibility for TANF.
• Evaluate requests and identify special needs of clients for referral to appropriate services.
• Receive training in records and updating case status changes, such as change in address, unit composition and number, budget computation, SNAP and medical eligibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

• Minimum of four (4) years of college completion, preferably with courses in social science or a related field of the social sciences.

Mon.–Fri., 8:30am – 5:00pm; 1 hour unpaid lunch.

1840 S West Ave, Freeport, Illinois, 61032

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

• 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)