MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

Mental Health Specialist I

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
• Requires 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.

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.

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)