ACTIVITY THERAPIST (UMP)

State of Illinois; Dixon (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Flexible Work Schedule

Retirement Benefits

Job summary

The State of Illinois seeks an Activity Therapist for the Mabley Developmental Center in Dixon, IL. You will provide therapeutically activity programs, conduct direct therapy, and contribute to habilitation plans as part of the treatment team.

You will evaluate patient responses to activities, coordinate schedules, ensure safe environments, and participate in on-the-job training to enhance therapeutic techniques.

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.

Responsibilities

• Provides therapeutically activity programs and conducts direct therapy for individuals served at the Mabley Developmental Center on an assigned unit, on an assigned shift.
• As a member of the treatment team, participates in the formulating of treatment plans.
• Evaluates behaviors and reactions relative to individual’s reaction with activities and leisure time.
• Maintains awareness of supplies and equipment for various activities.
• Monitors and maintains adequate resources and verifies a safe environment for individuals and staff.
• Participates in formal on-the-job training opportunities to develop greater skills regarding therapeutic techniques.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Skills

Therapeutic recreation

Education

Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or related field

Job description

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: 59241
Opening Date:10/13/2026
Closing Date:10/26/2026
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
Number of Vacancies:1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, 30 minute unpaid lunch

Residential
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location:1120 Washington Ave, Dixon, Illinois, 61021

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 Documentssection of yourapplication. 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

The Division of Mental Health is seeking to hire an Activity Therapist for the Mabley Developmental Center located in Dixon, Illinois to provide therapeutically activity programs and conducts direct therapy for individuals served on an assigned unit, on an assigned shift. Completes activity therapy assessments and evaluative data for the development of habilitation plans. Evaluates behaviors and reactions relative to patient’s reaction with activities and leisure time. Establishes and coordinates, types and schedules of activity programs. As a member of the treatment team, participates in the formulating of treatment plans and writes programs notes. Monitors and maintains adequate resources and verifies a safe environment. Participates in formal on-the-job training opportunities.

Essential Functions

• Provides therapeutically activity programs and conducts direct therapy for individuals served at the Mabley Developmental Center on an assigned unit, on an assigned shift.
• As a member of the treatment team, participates in the formulating of treatment plans.
• Evaluates behaviors and reactions relative to individual’s reaction with activities and leisure time.
• Maintains awareness of supplies and equipment for various activities.
• Monitors and maintains adequate resources and verifies a safe environment for individuals and staff.
• Participates in formal on-the-job training opportunities to develop greater skills regarding therapeutic techniques.
• 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 ability to work after business hours, weekends, and holidays including designated Special Olympics events/weekends.
• Requires the ability to physically restrain individuals as necessary to prevent injury to individual or others.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• 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.

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:

• 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

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.

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

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