Activity Therapist

Illinois Department of Human Services; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Human Services seeks an Activity Therapist for the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center in Springfield to develop and provide comprehensive activity therapy for facility patients, principally those assigned to a Forensic Unit.

This position involves collaborating with an interdisciplinary habilitation team, writing skill acquisition notes that align with the Patients Plan, and supporting center-wide events while ensuring alignment with treatment goals.

Qualifications

• Requires 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

Responsibilities

• Develops and provides comprehensive activity therapy for facility patients and principally involving those assigned to a Forensic Unit.
• Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary habilitation team.
• Writes activity therapist skill acquisition notes that correlate to objectives developed in the Patients Plan.
• Travels with forensic and non-forensic patients to scheduled supervised off-grounds destinations approved by the Hospital Clinical Management Team.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of center-wide special events and activities.
• Conducts group/individual activity therapy programs to meet the interests, needs and goals in correlation with the patents treatment plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Job description

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13653594 Agency:Illinois Department of Human Services Job Requisition ID:57781 Location:Springfield, Illinois, 62703 Opening Date: 8/12/2026 Closing Date: 8/25/2026 Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,328 - $7,819 per month ($63,936 - $93,828 per year) County:Sangamon Number of Vacancies: 1 ***MUST APPLY ONLINE ***

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 theAdditional Documentssection 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.

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 youre helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, youre part of something biggersomething that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career youre looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your scheduleflexible 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 for the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center located in Springfield, Illinois to develop and provide comprehensive activity therapy for facility patients and principally involving those assigned to a Forensic Unit. Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary habilitation team. Writes activity therapist skill acquisition programs. Registers non-forensic patients in community park district programs. Participates in the planning and implementation of center-wide special events and activities.

Essential Functions

• Develops and provides comprehensive activity therapy for facility patients and principally involving those assigned to a Forensic Unit.
• Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary habilitation team.
• Writes activity therapist skill acquisition notes that correlate to objectives developed in the Patients Plan.
• Travels with forensic and non-forensic patients to scheduled supervised off-grounds destinations approved by the Hospital Clinical Management Team.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of center-wide special events and activities.
• Conducts group/individual activity therapy programs to meet the interests, needs and goals in correlation with the patents treatment plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Conditions of Employment

• 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

• Monday Friday, 8:00am 4:30pm; 1-hour unpaid lunch

Headquarter Location

901 E Southwind Rd, Springfield, Illinois, 62703 Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center Activity Therapy Forensics

Work County

Sangamon

Agency Contact

Posting Group:Health Services; Social Services

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need all 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 v