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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), 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:  May 7, 2026
Location: 

Park Forest, IL, US, 60466

Job Requisition ID:  54215

Job Requisition ID: 54215 

Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Closing Date: 05/26/2026
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I - 26924 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: (Effective 7/1/2026) $4,747 - $6,446 per month ($56,964 - $77,352 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 

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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

Under direct supervision, performs beginning professional level duties and assists in reviewing, assessing, monitoring and implementing behavioral programs.  Assists in performing professional psychological/behavioral activities.  Maintains evaluative data.  Serves as an active member of assigned committees, training programs and professional staff meetings.  Assists in attending to individuals’ personal and transportation needs.

Essential Functions

  • Performs beginning level professional duties and assists in the reviewing, assessing, monitoring, and implementing of behavioral programs.
  • Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team.
  • Discusses individuals’ progress with family members/guardians, friends and community service representatives to enhance individuals’ response to treatment.
  • Serves as an active member of assigned committees, training programs and professional staff meetings.
  • Provides in-service training, technical guidance and direction to staff and student workers assigned to assist in the provision and documentation of psychological/behavioral needs or individuals.
  • 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 four (4) years of college and successful completion of a comprehensive training program such as that which is provided at the Mental Health Specialist Trainee level. Or requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to four (4) years of college and two (2) years of paraprofessional experience in, or applicable to the care, treatment and development of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.

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 professional experience reviewing medical records and previous psychological evaluations to assist in conducting assessments to target behaviors of individuals/patients.
  • 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.

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.
  • The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm, 1-hour unpaid lunch

Unit 1/Clinical Services

Headquarter Location: 114 N Orchard Dr, Park Forest, Illinois, 60466

Division of Developmental Disabilities

Ludeman Developmental Center

Clinical and Behavioral Services

Work County: Cook

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)
    • Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard 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

 

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: Chicago

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