DIRECTOR OF SECURITY OPERATIONS
Chester, IL, US, 62233-2542
Job Requisition ID: 52207
Opening Date: 02/06/2026
Closing Date: 02/23/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option: Law Enforcement/Correctional
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $8,158 - $10,158 per month ($97,896 - $121,896 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Randolph
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Gubernatorial (Management Bill)
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 Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Director of Security Operations for the Chester Mental Health Center in Chester, Illinois to direct the development, implementation, and monitoring of program plans, policies, procedures, and administrative directives. The incumbent will plan, direct and manage the security department. Directs investigations into unusual incidents, violations of agency rules, complaints, and referrals. Supervises, trains, verifies competency, evaluates and provides direction to security staff. Coordinates security services activities with other disciplines within the facility and serves as facility liaison within the Department of Human Services, Law Enforcement Agencies, Community resources and Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Essential Functions
- Serves as the Director of Security Operations for the Chester Mental Health Center.
- Attends and participates in meetings.
- Serves as a full line supervisor.
- Coordinates security services activities with other disciplines within the facility and serves as facility liaison with the Department of human Services, Law Enforcement agencies, community resources, office of inspector General and other governing agencies.
- Attends in-service, professional conferences, offered at the facility and by the department or professional groups.
- Coordinates the completion and maintenance of the staff and patient photo identification program utilizing computer-based programs and other photographic equipment.
- 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 completion of four (4) years of college.
- Requires four (4) years progressively responsible administrative experience in the fields of law enforcement or corrections.
Preferred Qualifications
- Four (4) years of professional experience planning, directing and managing a Security Program for a public or private organization.
- Four (4) years of professional experience working with the court systems and applicable laws, policies and procedures.
- Four (4) years of professional supervisory experience assigning work, providing guidance to subordinates, recommending counseling and/or discipline following collective bargaining agreements, training staff, preparing and signing performance evaluations and approving time off.
- Four (4) years of professional experience working with State standards and regulations relative to residential care and treatment programs.
- Four (4) years of professional experience developing strategic plans, long and short-term goals for a public or private organization.
- Four (4) years of professional experience interpreting, recommending, designing and implementing staffing plans for a public or private organization.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
- Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.
- Requires the ability to attend and pass all mandatory training sessions, workshops, and conferences.
- Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends, and holidays.
- Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
- Requires the ability to physically restrain patients as necessary to prevent injury to patient or others.
- Requires the ability to obtain and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate and Crisis Prevention Institute training.
*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 - 4:30pm; 30-minute unpaid lunch
Headquarter Location: 1315 Lehmen Dr, Chester, Illinois, 62233-2542
Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery
Chester Mental Health Center
Security
Work County: Randolph
Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Public Safety; Social Services
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.
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://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
Term Appointment:
Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Human Services’s discretion.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this 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 to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
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