MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

Job Requisition ID: 60036 Opening Date: 11/12/2026 Closing Date: 11/25/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Class Title: MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I - 26924 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Salary: $4,747 - $6,446 per month ($56,964 - $77,352 per year) Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME Merit Comp Code: Work Hours : See below: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, working one early shift (choice of: 6:00am - 2:30pm or 6:30am - 3:00pm) one late shift (choice of 12:00pm - 8:30pm or 12:30pm - 9:00pm or 1:00pm – 9:30pm or 1:30pm - 10:00pm) per month, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch, Residential Unit 5 Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability : Not available, fully in office Headquarter Location : 100 E Jeffery St, Kankakee, Illinois, 60901 Division of Developmental Disabilities Shapiro Center Residential Work County : Kankakee Agency Contact : DHS.HiringUnit@Illinois.gov ​ 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 Developmental Disabilities is seeking to hire a Mental Health Specialist I for the Shapiro Center located in Kankakee, Illinois to assist with the development, evaluation and implementation of the data relevant to the Habilitation Planning process. Participates in the Habilitation Planning meetings and/or assisting in the implementation of programs and activities on a daily basis. Maintains well organized group books and ensures that information is current. Prepares baseline forms for new programs. Essential Functions Assists with the development, evaluation and implementation of the data relevant to the Habilitation Planning process. Analyzes and evaluates individual’s skill training and behavioral needs. Maintains well organized group books and ensures that information is current and corresponds to the information in the Individual Service Plans. Prepares baseline forms for new programs and is available to the QIDP or appropriate program monitor prior to the team meeting. Assists the QIDP in preparing and maintaining accurate training information on individuals’ and group schedules and on study guides. Maintains well organized files containing previous data sheets for assigned individuals and ensures that the necessary filling is completed on a weekly basis. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Minimum Qualifications Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to four (4) years of college and successful completion of a comprehensive training program such as that which is provided at the Mental Health Specialist trainee level OR r equires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to four (4) years of college and two (2) years of paraprofessional experience in, or applicable to the care, treatment, and development of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. Preferred Qualifications Two (2) years of professional experience reviewing, assessing, monitoring and implementing behavioral programs for a public or private organization. Two (2) years of experience performing professional psychological/behavioral activities. Two (2) years of professional experience reviewing medical records and previous psychological evaluations to assist in conducting assessments to target behaviors. Two (2) years of professional experience providing in-service training, technical guidance and direction to staff regarding psychological/behavior needs of individuals/patients. Two (2) years of professional experience applying therapeutic methods and techniques in the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. Conditions of Employment Requires the ability to work before and after business hours, weekends and holidays. Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers. 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. 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 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 for 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) Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard 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). APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the Current Employee Guide at Application Procedures or by logging in to the career portal for State employees and viewing the instructions on Completing the Electronic Application . Non-State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the External Applicant Guide at Application Procedures or from Illinois.jobs2web.com – click Application Resources in the footer of every page of the website. Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of the posting to begin the application process. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. State employees should sign in via the Employee Login link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to their career portal. Non-State employees should click the Sign Up link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to an existing external account or to create a new external account. 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: donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com