MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I
State of IllinoisIllinois, United States
Posted May 7, 2026
569640 - 917424 USD
About the Company
The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois, providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs, and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve.
Job Description
The Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking a Mental Health Specialist I to perform beginning professional level duties and assist in reviewing, assessing, monitoring, and implementing behavioral programs. The ideal candidate will have knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to four years of college and successful completion of a comprehensive training program. They will assist in providing in-service training, technical guidance, and direction to staff and student workers. The position is a union position, and the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned.
Requirements
- Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to four (4) years of college and successful completion of a comprehensive training program
- Paraprofessional experience in, or applicable to the care, treatment, and development of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities
- Professional experience reviewing, assessing, monitoring, and implementing behavioral programs
- Professional experience reviewing medical records and previous psychological evaluations
- Professional experience providing in-service training, technical guidance, and direction to staff
- Professional experience applying therapeutic methods and techniques in the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities
Benefits
- Pension Program
- Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
- 12 Paid Sick days annually
- 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually
- 13 Paid Holidays annually
- Flexible Work Schedules
- 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) and 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)