ACTIVITY THERAPIST

  • State of Illinois
  • Aug 17, 2026
Full time Government

Job Description

Posting Identification Number 57783

   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, your 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 an Activity Therapist for the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center located in Chicago, Illinois to collaborate on the development and implementation of a comprehensive Activity Therapy (AT) program on an assigned patient care unit and/or in Central Programs. Provides clinical excellence in assessment, evaluation, treatment planning, group and/or individual treatment and documentation. Develops and maintains therapeutic relationships with patients. Represents AT effectively to treatment team members, other professionals and families; works therapeutically with a variety of diagnoses, culturally diverse populations and diverse age groups. Monitors and maintains adequate resources and creates, maintains and verifies a safe environment.

Essential Functions

  • Collaborates on the development and implementation of a comprehensive Activity Therapy (AT) program on an assigned patient care unit and/or in Central Programs.
  • Attends, participates, and represents AT in all unit clinical and treatment team meetings.
  • In collaboration with the Rehabilitation Department members and multidisciplinary staff, develops and reassesses the effectiveness of the AT programs for a patient care unit, service, sister-program and Central Programs with continuous assessment of the clinical appropriateness of programming suggesting changes to the Director of Rehabilitation.
  • Monitors and maintains adequate resources and creates, maintains and verifies a safe environment for patients and staff.
  • 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.

*This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

 

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers. 
  • Requires the ability to obtain and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and CPI certification. 
  • 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.

Occupations

Social Service

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Salary

($63,936 - $89,760 per year).

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