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ACTIVITY THERAPIST (UMP)

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status). To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history.  Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history.  To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
Date:  Jun 2, 2025
Location: 

Elgin, IL, US, 60123

Job Requisition ID:  47560

Job Requisition ID: 47560

Opening Date: 06/03/2025
Closing Date: 06/16/2025
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: ACTIVITY THERAPIST - 00157 
Skill Option: UMP Credential 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: (Effective 7/1/25) $5,148 - $7,555/month ($61,776 - $90,660/year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Kane
Number of Vacancies: 3
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062
Merit Comp Code: 

​ 

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.

 

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

 

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

 

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 Mental Health is seeking to hire an Activity Therapist for the Elgin Mental Health Center located in Elgin, Illinois to perform professional activity therapy duties involving the therapeutic use of activities individually or in group setting for forensic patients. Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), completing activity therapy assessments, activity therapy interventions, and evaluating patients' behavior and progress toward a measurable objective; develops plans and procedures to assist in the treatment and habilitation of consumers to guide them towards recovery; budgets activity therapy funds and orders supplies; works with other staff to maintain a safe working environment. Ensures that the clinical services are appropriate with respect to chronological age, developmental age and social maturity of the adult (18-64 yrs.) and geriatric (65+ yrs.) population.

Essential Functions

  • Performs professional activity therapy duties involving the therapeutic use of activities individually or in group setting for forensic patients.
  • Develops plans and procedures to assist in the treatment and habilitation of consumers to guide them towards recovery.
  • Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IDT).
  • Relates the philosophy, scope and needs of the Activity Therapy Department to the Rehabilitation Director.
  • Conducts recreational therapy and/or expressive arts programs such as music therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, and/or drama therapy that meets the needs of the consumers services.
  • Participates in departmental activities and meetings to promote and enhanced positive staff interaction, cooperation, and communication within the discipline.
  • Budgets activity therapy funds and orders supplies.
  • Provides professional direction and counseling to students for internship training and clinical practicum.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are normally within the scope of those duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires a bachelor's degree with a major in therapeutic recreation, music therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, drama therapy, leisure studies or recreation with a specialization in recreational therapy, including successful completion of an approved internship, fieldwork, or practicum.

*This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires the ability to walk and stand for a significant period of time, including stooping, bending, lifting or exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally.
  • 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. 

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

Work Hours: Various shifts, see below. 
(1 vacancy) Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Thursday 12:00pm-8:00pm, off Friday & Saturday, FTP Hartman

(1 vacancy) Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm, off Saturday & Sunday, FTP F/G

(1 vacancy) Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Thursday 12:00pm-8:00pm, off Friday & Saturday, FTP Pinel

Work Location: 750 S State St, Elgin, Illinois, 60123  
Division of Mental Health

Elgin Mental Health Center

FTP-Medical Department

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Social Services

 

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

 

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP).  General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Title Descriptions. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employee must apply internally and upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

 

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


Nearest Major Market: Elgin
Nearest Secondary Market: Chicago

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