Physician Specialist

Illinois Department of Human Services; Alton (IL); On-site; USD 227,000 - 318,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery in Illinois is hiring a Physician Specialist Option D at the Alton Mental Health Center. You will serve as staff psychiatrist for the Forensic Units, assessing patients deemed Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity or Unfit to Stand Trial, and provide coverage for other units as needed.

The position requires conducting examinations, writing psychiatric evaluations, and participating in court proceedings related to involuntary commitment and medication

Qualifications

• One (1) year of professional experience evaluating quality of medical care for mental illness.
• Experience coordinating medical services with other disciplines and support staff.
• Experience conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations of patients.
• Experience identifying appropriate positive treatment options and implementing them.
• Experience communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Experience preparing comprehensive and specialized medical records and reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide staff psychiatry services to the Forensic Units in the Alton Mental Health Center.
• Be a member of the treatment team.
• Answer emergencies, manage restraints, seclusions, injuries, and mediate for current patients.
• Perform and write psychiatric evaluations and program notes.
• Evaluate, prepare, and attend court testimony regarding involuntary commitment and medications.
• Perform other duties within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Skills

NGRI/UST experience

Coordination with multidisciplinary

Psychiatric evaluations

Treatment planning

Communication skills

Medical records preparation

Job description

• Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services


• Job Requisition ID: 53695


• Location: Alton, Illinois, 62002


• Opening Date: 8/28/2026


• Closing Date: 9/25/2026


• Skill Option: Special License - IL License to Practice Medicine -

Psychiatry & Neurology

• Salary: Anticipated Salary: $18,908-$26,486 per month ($226,896-$317,832 per year)


• County: Madison


• Number of Vacancies: 3

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.

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 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 a Physician Specialist Option D for the Alton Mental Health Center located in Alton, Illinois. The incumbent will serve as a staff psychiatrist at the Alton Mental Health Center providing services to patients living in the Forensic Units who have been deemed to be Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) or Unfit to Stand Trial (UST) and provide coverage for other units in the absence of their colleagues. Conducts examinations, makes diagnosis and treats patients. Serves as a member of the treatment team. Answers calls for emergencies. Performs and writes psychiatric evaluations. Evaluates, prepares, and attends court testimony regarding involuntary commitment, fitness to proceed, involuntary administration of medications and other issues.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a staff psychiatrist at the Alton Mental Health Center providing services to patients living in the Forensic Units who have been deemed to be Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) or Unfit to Stand Trial (UST) and provide coverage for other units in the absence of their colleagues.


• Serves as a member of the treatment team.


• Answers calls for emergencies, restraints, seclusions, injuries, and mediation for current patients.


• Performs and writes psychiatric evaluations and writes program notes.


• Evaluates, prepares, and attends court testimony regarding involuntary commitment, fitness to proceed, involuntary administration of medications and other issues.


• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of professional experience evaluating the quality of specialized medical care and treatment for patients with a mental illness.


• One (1) year of professional experience coordinating medical services with other professional disciplines and supportive personnel.


• One (1) year of professional experience conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations of patients.


• One (1) year of professional experience identifying most appropriate positive treatment option and carrying out that treatment in accordance with best practices.


• One (1) year of professional experience communicating effectively both orally and in writing.


• One (1) year of professional experience preparing comprehensive and specialized medical records and reports.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the possession of a valid Illinois Controlled Substance License.


• Requires the possession of a valid United States Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate of Regist