MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR I

State of Illinois; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 74,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Paid vacation and holidays

Flexible work schedules

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (elig.

Bilingual positions differential (5%)

Job summary

The State of Illinois, Department of Human Services, Shapiro Center in Kankakee, seeks a Mental Health Administrator I to direct care and ancillary staff in implementing care and treatment programs for intellectually disabled individuals. The role supervises and ensures compliance with DHS and Public Health regulations, develops policy impacting services, and leads quality assurance efforts.

Requires a master's degree or equivalent experience and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Requires master's degree in administration, education or behavioral sciences and successful completion of a comprehensive training program at the Mental Health Administrator Trainee level OR Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in or applicable to the provision of therapeutic patient services for persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in, or applicable to the care, treatment and development of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.
• Three (3) years of professional experience directing and guiding the activities and services of a direct care program for intellectually disabled individuals for a public or private organization.

Responsibilities

• Directs and guides the activities and services of direct care and ancillary program staff in the implementation of care and treatment programs for intellectually disabled individuals served by Shapiro Center.
• Serves as working supervisor.
• Monitors implementation of programming, evaluating each plan’s effectiveness.
• Assigns, directs, supervises staff in the implementation of treatment and habilitation plans including completion of tasks such as quality assurance checks, data collection, analysis, implementation of department of public health regulations and other applicable rules and regulations.
• Reviews physical plant to ensure equipment in in good repair and proper working order, areas are clean and homelike.

Education

Master's degree in administration, education or behavioral sciences

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: 59281
Opening Date:10/13/2026
Closing Date:10/26/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR I - 26811
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary:Anticipated Salary: $6,135 - $8,790 per month ($73,620 - $105,480 per year)
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies:1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 1 early, 1 late, rotating weekend & holiday coverage

7:45 AM - 4:15 PM Early shift choice of 6:00 AM- 2:30 PM or 6:30 AM- 3:00 PM Late Shift choice of 12:00PM- 8:30 PM, 12:30 PM-9:00 PM, 1:00 PM- 9:30 PM, 1:30-10:00 PM
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 100 E Jeffery St, Kankakee, Illinois, 60901

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 Developmental Disabilities is seeking to hire a Mental Health Administrator I for the Shapiro Center located in Kankakee, Illinois to direct and guide the activities and services of direct care and ancillary program staff in the implementation of care and treatment programs for intellectually disabled individuals served by Shapiro Center. Assigns, directs, supervises staff in the implementation of treatment and habilitation plans including completion of tasks such as quality assurance checks, data collection, analysis, implementation of department of public health regulations and other applicable rules and regulations. Provides direction and guidance with regards to behavioral problems. Implements, directs, and monitors disciplinary action for the residential department. Develops and implements policy that impacts services at Shapiro Center. Ensures individuals health and medical needs are met. Reviews residential area locations to ensure physical plant is clean and homelike. Verifies compliance with Shapiro Center, Department of Human Services (DHS), Public Health and other regulatory agency policies, standards and regulations.

Essential Functions

• Directs and guides the activities and services of direct care and ancillary program staff in the implementation of care and treatment programs for intellectually disabled individuals served by Shapiro Center.
• Serves as working supervisor.
• Monitors implementation of programming, evaluating each plan’s effectiveness.
• Assigns, directs, supervises staff in the implementation of treatment and habilitation plans including completion of tasks such as quality assurance checks, data collection, analysis, implementation of department of public health regulations and other applicable rules and regulations.
• Reviews physical plant to ensure equipment in in good repair and proper working order, areas are clean and homelike, painting/repair work has been completed.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to a master’s degree in administration, education or the behavioral sciences and successful completion of a comprehensive training program at the Mental Health Administrator Trainee level OR Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in or applicable to the provision of therapeutic patient services for persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. OR Three (3) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in, or applicable to the care, treatment and development of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional experience directing and guiding the activities and services of a direct care program for intellectually disabled individuals for a public or private organization.
• Three (3) years of professional experience monitoring implementation of programs, evaluating the plans effectiveness.
• Three (3) years of professional experience developing and implementing policy impacting services for a public or private organization.
• Three (3) years of professional supervisory experience assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance and training to staff.
• Three (3) years of professional experience developing and implementing quality assurance reviews for a public or private organization

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to successfully complete a department training program designed specifically for the Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional before the completion of his/her probationary period.
• Requires the ability to physically restrain individuals as necessary to prevent injury to individual or others.
• Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends and holidays.
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
• 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.

*All conditions of employment listed 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 position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

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.