ACTIVITY THERAPIST (UMP)

State-of-Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vacation days

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery within the State of Illinois seeks an Activity Therapist for the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will develop and implement a comprehensive Activity Therapy program on an assigned unit and in Central Programs, providing clinical assessment, treatment planning, group/individual sessions, and documentation.

Minimum qualifications require a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or related field with an approved

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor's degree with a major in therapeutic recreation or related fields including an approved internship/fieldwork/practicum.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates on developing and implementing a comprehensive Activity Therapy program on an assigned unit and/or Central Programs.
• Attends and represents AT in unit clinical and treatment team meetings.
• Develops and reassesses AT programs with multidisciplinary staff for clinical appropriateness and effectiveness.
• Monitors resources and maintains a safe environment for patients and staff.
• Performs other duties within the scope of AT as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or related field

Job description

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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 [e-mail] or call [phone] 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.

Job Requisition ID:57783

Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 08/26/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:ACTIVITY THERAPIST - 00157
Skill Option:UMP Credential
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,328 - $7,480 per month ($63,936 - $89,760 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

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.

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 for the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center located in Chicago, Illinois to collaborate on the development and implementation of a comprehensive Activity Therapy (AT) program on an assigned patient care unit and/or in Central Programs. Provides clinical excellence in assessment, evaluation, treatment planning, group and/or individual treatment and documentation. Develops and maintains therapeutic relationships with patients. Represents AT effectively to treatment team members, other professionals and families; works therapeutically with a variety of diagnoses, culturally diverse populations and diverse age groups. Monitors and maintains adequate resources and creates, maintains and verifies a safe environment.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates on the development and implementation of a comprehensive Activity Therapy (AT) program on an assigned patient care unit and/or in Central Programs.
• Attends, participates, and represents AT in all unit clinical and treatment team meetings.
• In collaboration with the Rehabilitation Department members and multidisciplinary staff, develops and reassesses the effectiveness of the AT programs for a patient care unit, service, sister-program and Central Programs with continuous assessment of the clinical appropriateness of programming suggesting changes to the Director of Rehabilitation.
• Monitors and maintains adequate resources and creates, maintains and verifies a safe environment for patients and staff.
• 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 an approved internship, fieldwork or practicum.

*This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and CPI certification.
• 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: See below

Monday-Friday with the choice of 7am-3pm or 7:30am-3:30pm or 8am-4pm or 8:30-4:30pm or 9am-5pm. Each shift requires 1 late day a week 11am-7pm or 12pm-8pm or 1pm-9pm; Every weekend off with the exception of working one weekend day every six weeks with the corresponding Wednesday off; 30-minute unpaid lunch; Activity Therapy Unit B-North

Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery

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 of 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:

• 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

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP) . General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles . To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission . UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.