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

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

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

Link: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/54347/

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.

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