Activity Therapist

Opening Date: 09/03/2025
Closing Date: 09/16/2025
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: ACTIVITY THERAPIST - 00157 
Skill Option: UMP Credential 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,148 - $7,555 per month ($61,776 - $90,660 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Madison
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm with one exception late day of 12:00pm - 8:30pm; 1 hour unpaid lunch

Work Location: 4500 College Ave, Alton, Illinois, 62002-5012

Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery  

Alton Mental Health Center

Medical Services Rehabilitative Services – Forensic Units 

*** MUST APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE **** (Please copy and paste the link to your browser)

Link: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/49370/

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 Alton Mental Health Center located in Alton, Illinois to provide activity therapy for patients deemed to be Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity or Unfit to Stand Trial. Evaluates complex behaviors and reactions relative to patient’s interaction with activities and leisure time. Establishes and coordinates types and schedules of activity programs.

Essential Functions

• Provides activity therapy for patients deemed to be Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity or Unfit to Stand Trial at the Alton Mental Health Center. 
• As a primary therapist for forensic patients, formulates treatment plans, writes program notes, and formulates realistic discharge plans.
• Conducts Activity Therapy Assessments on newly admitted patients. 
• Orders and stocks supplies and equipment for activities. 
• Teaches classes for new activity therapy, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and service team employees and volunteers.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of 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 the ability to physically restrain patients as necessary to prevent injury to patient or others.
• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.

* The conditions of employment listed here 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