Activity Therapist

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https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/57781/

Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services

Job Requisition ID: 57781

Location: Springfield, Illinois, 62703

Opening Date: 8/12/2026

Closing Date: 8/25/2026

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,328 - $7,819 per month ($63,936 - $93,828 per year)

County: Sangamon

Number of Vacancies: 1

***MUST APPLY ONLINE ***

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—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 Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center located in Springfield, Illinois to develop and provide comprehensive activity therapy for facility patients and principally involving those assigned to a Forensic Unit. Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary habilitation team. Writes activity therapist skill acquisition programs. Registers non-forensic patients in community park district programs. Participates in the planning and implementation of center-wide special events and activities.

Essential Functions

• Develops and provides comprehensive activity therapy for facility patients and principally involving those assigned to a Forensic Unit.
• Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary habilitation team.
• Writes activity therapist skill acquisition notes that correlate to objectives developed in the Patients Plan.   
• Travels with forensic and non-forensic patients to scheduled supervised off-grounds destinations approved by the Hospital Clinical Management Team.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of center-wide special events and activities. 
• Conducts group/individual activity therapy programs to meet the interests, needs and goals in correlation with the patents treatment plan. 
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree with 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 travel in the performance of job duties.
• 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.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm; 1-hour unpaid lunch

Headquarter Location: 901 E Southwind Rd, Springfield, Illinois, 62703

Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery 

Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center

Activity Therapy - Forensics

Work County: Sangamon

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Health Services; Social Services

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need all across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

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)
     * Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour 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)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx