SECURITY THERAPY AIDE I

State of Illinois; Chester (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Illinois, Department of Human Services, Chester Mental Health Center in Chester, Illinois seeks a Security Therapy Aide I to perform routine tasks and provide custodial care to mentally ill patients in a maximum-security setting. The role includes escorting patients, assisting with daily living needs, and supporting treatment teams on designated units.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of an approved Security Therapy Aide Training Program or

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of high school.
• Requires successful completion of an approved Security Therapy Aide Training Program or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine tasks in dispensing therapeutic custodial care to mentally ill patients in a maximum-security environment on an assigned shift on an assigned unit.
• Maintains roster of patients for specific areas.
• Escorts and oversees the patient’s movements, conduct, activities and basic care of patients under jurisdiction.
• Actsively participates and mediates in the settlement of disputes among the patient population.
• Performs routine checks of security equipment and interior of the buildings to ensure security integrity.
• Directly supervises patient hygiene and safety to meet personal care needs.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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: 59516
Opening Date:10/15/2026
Closing Date:10/28/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:SEC THERAPY AIDE I - 39901
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary:Anticipated Salary: $5,727 - $8,078 per month ($68,724 - $96,936 per year)
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies:22
Bargaining Unit Code:RC009 Institutional Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Various shifts, see below:

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit A

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Wed/Thur, 30 min paid lunch, Unit A

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit A

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Thur/Fri, 30 min paid lunch, Unit A

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Mon/Tue, 30 min paid lunch, Unit B

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit C

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Wed/Thur, 30 min paid lunch, Unit C

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Mon/Tue, 30 min paid lunch, Unit D

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit D

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Mon/Tue, 30 min paid lunch, Unit E

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit E

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Mon/Tue, 30 min paid lunch, Unit E

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit E

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Sun/Mon, 30 min paid lunch, Unit F

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 1315 Lehman Dr, Chester, Illinois, 62233

Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery

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 theAdditional 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 Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Security Therapy Aide I for the Chester Mental Health Center located in Chester, Illinois to perform routine tasks in dispensing therapeutic custodial care to mentally ill patients in a maximum-security environment on an assigned shift on an assigned unit. Escorts and oversees the patient’s movements, conduct, activities and basic care of patients under his/her jurisdiction. Assists patients with their daily living needs. Assists in the orientation of newly admitted patients. Provides subprofessional counseling. Prepares routine reports concerning patient behavior, progress and response to treatment of medication. Confers with supervisor concerning special programs. Actively participates and mediates in the settlement of disputes and altercations. Performs routine checks of security equipment and interior of the buildings. Assists in the on-the-job training to the Security Therapy Aide Trainees. Provides security escorts within the facility and escorts patients for medical services and court appearances outside the facility. Travels in the performance of job duties.

Essential Functions

• Performs routine tasks in dispensing therapeutic custodial care to mentally ill patients in a maximum-security environment on an assigned shift on an assigned unit.
• Maintains roster of patients for specific areas.
• Escorts and oversees the patient’s movements, conduct, activities and basic care of patients under his/her jurisdiction.
• Actively participates and mediates in the settlement of disputes and altercations among the patient population.
• Performs routine checks of security equipment and interior of the buildings to ensure the integrity of the security systems, locks, screens, etc.
• Serves as active treatment team members.
• Assists in, observes and/or follows specific treatment programs developed by the treatment team for the individual patient’s problems and treatment.
• Operates security and surveillance equipment essential to the overall security of the facility.
• Directly supervises patient hygiene and safety to ensure that the personal care needs of the patient are met.
• 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 completion of high school.
• Requires successful completion of an approved Security Therapy Aide Training Program or equivalent experience.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to walk and stand for a significant period of time including stooping, bending and lifting.
• Requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
• Requires the ability to physically restrain patients as necessary to prevent injury to patient or others.
• Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends and holidays.
• Requires the ability to acquire and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
• 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.

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