Social Services Career Trainee

Job Requisition ID: 54999

Opening Date: 04/15/2026

Closing Date: 04/28/2026
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: SOCIAL SERVICES CAREER TRAINEE - 41320
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: (Eff 7/1/26) $4,747-$6,446/month ($56,964-$77,352/year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Madison
Number of Vacancies: 10
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm

Headquarter Location: 821 W Main St, Galesburg, Illinois, 61401

Family & Community Services

Region 3

Case Management

Knox Office, Knox County

Work County: Knox

*** MUST APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE **** (Please copy and paste the link to your browser)

Link: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/54999/

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 Knox County 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 Spanish 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. Receives training to perform routine clearances to verify customer 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.

About the Agency:

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 who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

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: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx