Director of Social Work

Opening Date: 01/23/2026
Closing Date: 02/05/2026
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 
Skill Option: Special License - Social Worker/Clinical Social Worker 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $10,471 - $11,773 per month ($125,652 - $141,276 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Supervisory Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

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

Headquarter Location: 901 E Southwind Rd Springfield, IL 62703-5125

Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery

Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center

Social Work Department

Work County: Sangamon

To be considered, applicants must apply through our official website: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/52803/

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 Director of Social Work for the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center located in Springfield, Illinois. The incumbent will administer and coordinate facility-wide social work services. Developing, implementing and evaluating treatment programs in accordance with hospital, accrediting and other state directives and evidence-based treatment practice standards for adult behavioral and adult psychiatric treatment including patient and group therapies. Elizabeth Packard strives to provide equitable access to social/human services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the Director of Social Work for Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center.
• Serves as a full line supervisor.
• Works with members from treatment teams on continuity of care and related issues to ensure forensic court reports, evaluations and progress notes meet standards.
• Directs the development and coordination of assessments, data collection unit, program planning, and implementation of unit activities.
• Serves as an assistant to case manager for both forensic and civil patients handling extremely difficult and complex cases.
• Serves as a member of the Hospital Executive Committee, Quality Management Council, Utilization Review Committee and Policy Implementation and Compliance Committee.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work.   
• Requires three (3) years progressively responsible professional experience in a recognized social services organization.
• Requires licensure by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as a licensed Clinical Social Worker.   

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional experience planning and implementing a social work services program for patients with mental illness.
• Three (3) years of managerial experience in a public or private organization that delivers inpatient or outpatient psychiatric services.
• Three (3) years of professional experience performing social work activities in the evaluation, treatment of patients and conducting patient and group therapy.
• Three (3) years of professional experience assessing, developing and implementing training activities in a private or public organization.
• Three (3) years of professional experience working with treatment teams on continuity of care and related issues, ensuring reports, evaluations and progress notes meet standards.
• Three (3) years of professional experience establishing and/or revising policies and procedures, providing feedback on their effectiveness for a public or private organization. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.
• Requires the ability physically restrain patients as necessary to prevent injury to patient or others. 
• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate. 
• Requires the ability to pass CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training. 
• Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends and holidays.
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties. 

*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 serves families in need 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 & part-time 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://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx