Peer self advocate (personal services contract)

Job Requisition ID: 57741 Opening Date: 09/25/2026 Closing Date: 10/15/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Class Title: CONTRACTUAL WORKER - 10000 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: Salary: Anticipated Salary: $25.31 - $33.41 per hour Job Type: Salaried Category: Part Time Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: None Merit Comp Code: Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm, up to 7.5 hours per week 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: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661 Division of Rehabilitation Services Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services Work County: Cook Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@Illinois.gov

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

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.

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 Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the state’s lead agency 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. As a Peer Self Advocate for the Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services, attends and participates in planning and training sessions with Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) on Career Counseling and Information and Referral Services in preparation for statewide training to be conducted with providers who offer employment at a sub minimum wage.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Peer Self Advocate for the Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services.
• Provides presentations to sub-minimum wage earners to help prepare, obtain, maintain, advance or regain competitive integrated employment.
• Travels to co-present with Vocational Rehabilitation staff regarding employment opportunities to groups of individuals receiving a sub minimum wage throughout the region.
• Participates in orientation and training which provides a general knowledge of programs service philosophies and objectives of the Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services Bureau of Customer and Community Field Services.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

A qualified applicant must be a person with a disability who previously worked for or received services from a 14(c) sub minimum wage provider (such as a rehabilitation facility or community rehabilitation center) and has since obtained competitive, integrated employment—meaning a job where the person earns at least minimum wage, works alongside people without disabilities, and has equal opportunities for pay and advancement. Current employment is not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience effectively communicating in oral and written formats with internal and external stakeholders.
• One (1) year of experience maintaining professional working relationships with staff, customers, and public and encouraging respect for those of other cultures and backgrounds.
• One (1) year of experience presenting information for various audiences regarding personal experiences with employment.
• One (1) year of experience maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with professionalism.

Conditions of Employment

Requires ability to travel.

*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.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the Current Employee Guide at Application Procedures or by logging in to the career portal for State employees and viewing the instructions on Completing the Electronic Application. Non-State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the External Applicant Guide at Application Procedures or from Illinois.jobs2web.com – click Application Resources in the footer of every page of the website. Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of the 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 via the Employee Login link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to their career portal. Non-State employees should click the Sign Up link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to an existing external account or to create a new external account. 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: donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com, systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com