Activity Therapist Coordinator

the Agency; Chester; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A state health organization in Chester, Illinois is seeking an Activity Therapist Coordinator to design and evaluate therapy programs. The role involves supervising lower-level staff and requires a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation. An appropriate salary package and numerous employee benefits are included. Apply via the designated website to be considered for this position.

Benefits

Pension Program

Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

Flexible Work Schedules

Paid Parental Leave

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree with a major in therapeutic recreation or related field.
• Two years of experience as an Activity Therapist is needed.
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement and evaluate activity therapy treatment programs.
• Serve as lead worker and coordinate duties of staff.
• Prepare, maintain and submit monthly patient attendance records.

Skills

Assisted Living

Computer Skills

Physical Examinations

Dementia Care

Social Work

Education

Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or related field

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Publisher

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 51373

Opening Date: 11 / 21 / 2025

Closing Date: 12 / 08 / 2025

Agency: Department of Human Services

Class Title: ACTIVITY THERAPIST COORDINATOR - 00160

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5637 - $8389 per month ($67644 - $100668 per year)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Randolph

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees AFSCME

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 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 Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire an Activity Therapist Coordinator for the Chester Mental Health Center located in Chester, Illinois to plan, implement and evaluate the activity therapy treatment programs on an assigned unit on an assigned shift. The coordinator serves as lead worker, determines training needs for lower-level staff, plans and evaluates unit programming, coordinates the duties of lower-level staff, participates in facility-wide program planning, determines unit fiscal needs on a periodic basis, interprets activity therapy to other unit staff, verifies compliance with accepted rules and procedures regarding activity therapy and participates in the treatment team functions of the assigned unit. The coordinator attends treatment team meetings, reviews and approves all clinical documentation, and prepares, maintains and submits monthly patient attendance records.

Essential Functions

• Plans, implements and evaluates activity therapy treatment programs on an assigned unit on an assigned shift, verifying all activity therapy programs are carried out.
• Attends treatment team meetings.
• Serves as designated lead worker.
• Reviews and approves all clinical documentation pertaining to lower-level activity therapy staff, including a quarterly audit of a significant sample (not less than 33%) of unit clinical records and the documentation of such with specific deficiencies and recommended remedial action.
• Plans and evaluates unit programming and coordinates the duties of lower-level staff.
• Meets with Activity Therapist Supervisor and lower-level activity therapy staff to coordinate activity therapy duties in view of treatment needs, security requirements and utilization of fiscal resources.
• Determines training needs for lower-level staff.
• Prepares, maintains and submits monthly patient attendance records to the Activity Therapist Supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the 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 approved internship fieldwork or practicum supplemented by two (2) years of professional experience as an Activity Therapist OR requires a master’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 and one (1) year of professional experience as an Activity Therapist.

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• 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 8:30 am – 4:30 pm; Tuesday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Wednesday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Unit: C

Work Location

1315 Lehmen Dr, Chester, Illinois 62233-2542

Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery

Chester Mental Health Center

Activity Therapy

Agency Contact:

Posting Group: 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: 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 homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non‑State employees should log in on the View Profile link in the top right of the 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 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:

Required Experience: IC

Key Skills

Assisted Living, Computer Skills, Physical Examinations, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Publisher, Regression Analysis, Serving Experience, Dementia Care, Teaching, Experience with Children, Memory Care, Social Work

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

Monthly Salary: $5637 – $8389