MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

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:  Oct 28, 2024
Location: 

Kankakee, IL, US, 60901

Job Requisition ID:  42316

Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I - 26924 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None 

Opening Date: 10/29/2024
Closing Date/Time: 11/13/2024
Salary: Anticipated Salary $4,412-$5,991/month ($52,944-$71,892/year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Kankakee
Number of Vacancies: 4
Plan/BU: RC062

 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Posting Identification Number  42316

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 Developmental Disabilities is seeking to hire a Mental Health Specialist I for the Shapiro Center located in Kankakee, Illinois to assist with the development, evaluation and implementation of the data relevant to the Habilitation Planning process. Participates in the Habilitation Planning meetings and/or assisting in the implementation of programs and activities on a daily basis. Maintains well organized group books and ensures that information is current. Prepares baseline forms for new programs.

Essential Functions

  • Assists with the development, evaluation and implementation of the data relevant to the Habilitation Planning process.
  • Analyzes and evaluates individual’s skill training and behavioral needs.
  • Maintains well organized group books and ensures that information if current and corresponds to the information in the Individual Service Plans.
  • Prepares baseline forms for new programs and is available to the QIDP or appropriate program monitor prior to the team meeting.
  • Assists the QIDP in preparing and maintaining accurate training information on individuals’ and group schedules and on study guides.
  • Maintains well organized files containing previous data sheets for assigned individuals and ensures that the necessary filling is completed on a weekly basis.
  • 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 1) a bachelor’s degree in one of the behavioral sciences and successful completion of a comprehensive training program at the Mental Health Specialist Trainee level or 2) two (2) years paraprofessional experience in, or applicable to the care, treatment and development of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities and successful completion of an approved training program

Preferred Qualifications

  • Two (2) years of professional experience reviewing, assessing, monitoring and implementing behavioral programs for a public or private organization.
  • Two (2) years of experience performing professional psychological/behavioral activities.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience reviewing medical records and previous psychological evaluations to assist in conducting assessments to target behaviors.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience providing in-service training, technical guidance and direction to staff regarding psychological/behavior needs of individuals/patients.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience applying therapeutic methods and techniques in the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience utilizing automated multi-tasking computer software, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, in the completion of routine tasks.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience communicating effectively both verbally and in writing

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires the ability to work before and after business hours, weekends and holidays.
  • Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
  • Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
  • 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: Multiple shifts. See below.

(1) Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Unit 1, Work 1 early and 1 late day per month

(1) Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Unit 2, Work 1 early and 1 late day per month

(1) Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Unit 3 and 4, Work 1 early and 1 late day per month

(1) Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Unit 5 and 6, Work 1 early and 1 late day per month

Work 1 early shift, Choice of (6am - 2:30pm, 6:30am - 3pm) and 1 late shift Choice of (12pm - 8:30pm, 12:30pm - 9pm, 1pm - 9;30pm, or 1:30pm - 10pm)

30 min unpaid lunch
Work Location: 100 E Jeffery St, Kankakee, Illinois, 60901  

Division of Developmental Disabilities

Shapiro Center

Residential
Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Health Services ; 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

 

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: Kankakee
Nearest Secondary Market: Bradley