Apply »

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WORK

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), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students.  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:  Feb 13, 2026
Location: 

Elgin, IL, US, 60123

Job Requisition ID:  53299

Job Requisition ID: 53299 
Opening Date: 02/19/2026

Closing Date: 03/04/2026
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070) 
Skill Option: Special License - Social Worker/Clinical Social Worker 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $10,471 - $11,773 per month ($125,652 - $141,276 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Kane
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency


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.

 

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 Social Work for the Elgin Mental Health Center located in Elgin, Illinois to administer and coordinate facility-wide social work services. Serves as the senior clinician, overseeing and reviewing clinical programming developed by lower-level Social Work staff providing direct patient care, clinical training and interdisciplinary consultation. Serves as a member of the Hospital Executive Committee, Governing Board and facility management committees. Establishes recommended and/or new policies and procedures. At Elgin Mental Health Center, we treat individuals with dignity and compassion. Our mission is to provide recovery-oriented evidence-based, psychiatric healthcare services within a safe environment, which promotes quality of life and full participation in the community.

Essential Functions

  • Serves as the Director of Social Work for Elgin Mental Health Center (EMHC).
  • Directs the development and coordination of assessments, data collection, program planning, and implementation activities.
  • Serves as a full line supervisor.
  • Determines a means for evaluating and monitoring social work performance improvement activities for the facility.
  • Serves as a member of the Hospital Executive Committee, Governing Board and facility management committees.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires a master’s degree in Social Work.
  • Requires four (4) years social work experience in a mental health related organization.
  • Requires licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Four (4) years of professional experience planning and implementing a social work services program for individuals with mental illnesses.
  • Four (4) years of managerial experience in a public or private organization that delivers inpatient or outpatient psychiatric services.
  • Four (4) years of professional experience providing clinical supervision to social work administrators for a public or private organization.
  • Four (4) years of professional experience working with accrediting bodies such as the Joint Commission.
  • Four (4) years of professional experience reviewing and evaluating clinical policies and procedures for a public or private organization.
  • Four (4) years of professional experience evaluating and monitoring social work performance improvement activities 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 travel in the performance of job duties.
  • This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*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, 8:00am - 4:00pm; 30-minute unpaid lunch

Headquarter Location: 750 S State St, Elgin, Illinois, 60123

Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery

Elgin Mental Health Center

Social Work Department

Work County: Kane

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Health Services; 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.

 

Statement of Economic Interest:
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

 

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:


Nearest Major Market: Elgin
Nearest Secondary Market: Chicago

Apply »