SEX OFFENDER THERAPIST I

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections is looking for a mental health professional interested in working with individuals convicted of sexual offenses and other problematic behavior. The Sex Offender Therapist will facilitate group treatment, conduct intakes, complete risk assessments, and make recommendations for supervision strategies in the community. This individual will have the opportunity to become fully licensed as a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider with additional professional supervision options available. We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of strengths and evidence-based approaches in mental health services. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Responsibilities

1. Provides specialized sex offense specific group and individual therapy utilizing a variety of therapeutic techniques.
2. Develops behavior and cognition modification programs specific to each participant which are designed to decelerate identified maladaptive behaviors/cognitions and facilitate increased appropriate behaviors/cognitions.
3. Maintains required standards of clinical documentation that is specific and congruent to the sex individuals in custody population.  
4. Conducts risk assessments and testing of sex individuals in custody utilizing clinical evaluations procedures.
5. Travels to provide court testimony on treatment progression and evaluation.
6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires possession of a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, marriage & family therapy or a closely related behavioral science degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Requires eligibility to be approved to conduct sex offender treatment and evaluations by the Illinois Sex Offender Management Board.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

1. Prefers an Associate Sex Offender Treatment License.
2. Prefers at least one (1) year of work experience working with the sex offender population in some capacity.
3. Prefers at least one (1) year of experience writing progress notes and discharge summaries.
4. Prefers at least one (1) year experience developing and implementing treatment plans.
5. Prefers at least one (1) year experience conducting clinical risk and needs assessments.  

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires the ability to travel.
2. Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
3. Requires ability to pass a drug screen. On January 1, 2020, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act made it legal for residents over the age of 21 to produce, consume and sell cannabis in Illinois. Please note that although the law has changed, the Department will continue to enforce the Department’s zero tolerance Drug Testing policy. The use of unauthorized drugs, including cannabis, by an employee, regardless of the position held is prohibited.
4. Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion.  This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training.  We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency's success.  IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel values, respected, and included.

Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism. ageism. ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression.

The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in offender behavior, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization.

Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off and pre-tax benefit programs.  The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.

The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We invite all qualified applicants to join our team.