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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application.
Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at
[email protected] or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.
Sponsorship for Employment
The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Disclosure of Salary Information
In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
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Date: Aug 10, 2026
Location:
Chicago, IL, US, 60634
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Job Requisition ID: 57783
Job Requisition ID: 57783
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 08/26/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: ACTIVITY THERAPIST - 00157
Skill Option: UMP Credential
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,328 - $7,480 per month ($63,936 - $89,760 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
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.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
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 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.
Work Hours: See below
Monday-Friday with the choice of 7am-3pm or 7:30am-3:30pm or 8am-4pm or 8:30-4:30pm or 9am-5pm. Each shift requires 1 late day a week 11am-7pm or 12pm-8pm or 1pm-9pm; Every weekend off with the exception of working one weekend day every six weeks with the corresponding Wednesday off; 30-minute unpaid lunch; Activity Therapy Unit B-North
Headquarter Location: 4200 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60634
Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery
Chicago Read Mental Health Center
Activity Therapy
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: [email protected]
Posting Group: Social Services
About the Agency:
The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being of everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.
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://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Nearest Major Market: Chicago
