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Job Requisition ID: 59323
Closing Date: 11/13/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: ACTIVITY THERAPIST - 00157
Skill Option: UMP Credential
Salary: $5,328 - $7,819 per month ($63,936 - $93,828 per year)
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Work Hours: Various shifts, see below:
(1 vacancy) Tues, Wed: 12:00pm - 8:00pm, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 8:30am - 4:30pm; 30-minute unpaid lunch; Unit A
(1 vacancy) Tues, Wed, Sat: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Thurs, Fri: 12:00pm - 8:00pm; 30-minute unpaid lunch; Unit E/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
Chester Mental Health Center
Activity Therapy
Work County: Randolph
Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@Illinois.gov
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 an Activity Therapist for the Chester Mental Health Center located in Chester, Illinois to provide therapeutically activity programs and conducts direct therapy for patients 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 patients served at Chester Mental Health 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 patient’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 patients 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.
Conditions of Employment
- 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:
- A Pension Program
- 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
- Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)
For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
About Illinois Department of Human Services
The Department of Human Services is one of Illinois' largest agencies, with more than 13,000 employees.
Illinois created IDHS in 1997, to provide our state's residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who are striving to move from welfare to work and economic independence, and others who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency.
IDHS is proud of its diversity, efficiency, and the services that the agency and its community partners provide to Illinois citizens.