Activity Therapist Illinois Department of Human Services

Goshen College; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 61,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading state agency is seeking an Activity Therapist to work at the Elgin Mental Health Center. This role involves performing professional activity therapy duties to assist forensic patients in their recovery journey through structured activities. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in therapeutic recreation or similar field, possess the ability to develop treatment plans, and effectively work within an interdisciplinary team.

Benefits

Pension program

Health, life, dental and vision insurance

Paid vacation and sick days

Flexible work schedules

Tuition reimbursement program

Paid maternity/paternity leave

Commuter savings program

Qualifications

• Requires completion of an approved internship or practicum.
• Bachelor's degree with a major in therapeutic recreation, music therapy or related field.

Responsibilities

• Conducts activity therapy for forensic patients.
• Develops treatment plans and assesses patient progress.
• Functions as part of the interdisciplinary team.

Skills

Recreational therapy

Art therapy

Music therapy

Dance therapy

Drama therapy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or related field

Job description

Activity Therapist – # 47560

*** MUST APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE **** (Please copy and paste the link below to your browser)

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/47560/

Agency: Department of Human Services

Location: Elgin, Illinois, 60123

Job Requisition ID:47560

Opening Date: 06/03/2025

Closing Date: 06/16/2025

Salary: Anticipated Salary: (Effective 7/1/25) $5,148 – $7,555/month ($61,776 – $90,660/year)

Job Type:Salaried Full Time

County: Kane

Number of Vacancies: 3

Plan/BU: RC062

***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 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 47560

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 Mental Health is seeking to hire an Activity Therapist for the Elgin Mental Health Center located in Elgin, Illinois to perform professional activity therapy duties involving the therapeutic use of activities individually or in group setting for forensic patients. Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), completing activity therapy assessments, activity therapy interventions, and evaluating patients’ behavior and progress toward a measurable objective; develops plans and procedures to assist in the treatment and habilitation of consumers to guide them towards recovery; budgets activity therapy funds and orders supplies; works with other staff to maintain a safe working environment. Ensures that the clinical services are appropriate with respect to chronological age, developmental age and social maturity of the adult (18-64 yrs.) and geriatric (65+ yrs.) population.

Essential Functions

Performs professional activity therapy duties involving the therapeutic use of activities individually or in group setting for forensic patients.
Develops plans and procedures to assist in the treatment and habilitation of consumers to guide them towards recovery.
Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IDT).
Relates the philosophy, scope and needs of the Activity Therapy Department to the Rehabilitation Director.
Conducts recreational therapy and/or expressive arts programs such as music therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, and/or drama therapy that meets the needs of the consumers services.
Participates in departmental activities and meetings to promote and enhanced positive staff interaction, cooperation, and communication within the discipline.
Budgets activity therapy funds and orders supplies.
Provides professional direction and counseling to students for internship training and clinical practicum.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are normally within the scope of those 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 an approved internship, fieldwork, or practicum.
*This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Conditions of Employment

Requires the ability to walk and stand for a significant period of time, including stooping, bending, lifting or exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally.
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.
*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours:Various shifts, see below.

(1 vacancy) Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Thursday 12:00pm-8:00pm, off Friday & Saturday, FTP Hartman

(1 vacancy) Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm, off Saturday & Sunday, FTP F/G

(1 vacancy) Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Thursday 12:00pm-8:00pm, off Friday & Saturday, FTP Pinel
Work Location:750 S State St, Elgin, Illinois, 60123

Division of Mental Health

Elgin Mental Health Center

FTP-Medical Department
Agency Contact:[e-mail]

Job Family: 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 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 Work Schedules (as applicable)

13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years

Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)

10 Weeks Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave

Deferred Compensation Program – A supplemental retirement plan

Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)

Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility

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

Must apply online.

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:

[e-mail]
[e-mail]