Orientation and Mobility Instructor Trainee

***Must apply on our website *** (Please copy the link and paste it into your internet browser)

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/55819/

Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services

Location: Belleville, Illinois, 62220

Opening Date: 5/13/2026

Closing Date: 5/27/2026

Salary: Anticipated Salary (Eff 7/1/26) $5,328-$7,480/month ($63,936-$89,760/year)

Category: Full Time 

County: St. Clair

Number of Vacancies: 1

***MUST APPLY ONLINE ***

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. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Posting Identification Number: 55819

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 division 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.  This position instructs individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired or DeafBlind in orientation and mobility skills in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind. This position will receive formal and informal training not to exceed twelve (12) months to be able to provide instruction to Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind customers in skills, methods, and techniques to independently travel safely and effectively in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings.  Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity, accessibility, and racial justice by contributing to an including working and learning environment. The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills. 

Essential Functions

• Serves as Orientation and Mobility Instructor Trainee.
• Completes work assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills consistent with the provision of services to individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind.
• Assumes increasing responsibility for customers assigned.
• Participates in staff meetings and formal trainings.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a master's degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university. All qualifying candidates must have attained certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) within the time parameters of the Rehabilitation/Mobility Instructor Trainee Program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience providing instruction in orientation and mobility to persons who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind.
• Two (2) years of professional experience assessing individual needs and implementing a plan of services for individuals with disabilities to live independently and/or gain competitive employment.
• Two (2) years professional experience establishing trusting relationships and communicating clearly and effectively with customers, family members, coworkers, providers, and employers.
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with federal statutes related to rehabilitation programs such as the Rehabilitation Act and amendments, the Social Security Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Workforce Innovative Opportunities Act (WIOA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act, etc.
• Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing and remaining up to date on accessible techniques and adaptive technology to train individuals who are visually impaired, blind, and/or DeafBlind.
• Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing, reading and writing braille.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel to provide services in the customer’s home, residential setting, or group setting as well as in the built environment.
• Requires ability to physically access the customer’s home environment and/or work environment and use public transportation.
• Requires ability to visually assess the travel route for the safety of the customer.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch.

Headquarter Location: 601 S High St, Belleville, Illinois, 62220

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Customer and Community Blind Services

Region 5

Work County: St. Clair

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Social Services

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need all 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 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)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• 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