MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST TRAINEE

Job Requisition ID: 57644

Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 08/27/2026
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST TRAINEE - 26928
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $4,568 - $6,133 per month ($54,816 - $73,596 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Clinton
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

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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 Trainee for the Murray Developmental Center located in Centralia, Illinois. For a period of no less than six months and not to exceed twelve months, receives instructions and training in the ability to review, assess, monitor, and implement behavioral programs. Receives Training in the maintenance of evaluative data and the ability to provide technical guidance and direction to less experienced staff. Assists in the assessment of individuals and their behavioral needs.

Essential Functions

• For a period of no less than six months and not to exceed twelve months, receives a minimum of 120 hours in formal classroom training and a minimum of 400 hours in on-the-job training in the assessment of individual needs and the development of appropriate treatment program.
• Observes individuals’ response to treatment and reports to the Chief Psychologist on findings.
• Observes meetings with psych/behavioral department staff and individuals’ family members/guardians regarding the responses to individuals’ treatments.
• Completes informal classroom training and on-the-job training regarding behavioral programs and the assessment of individuals and their behavioral needs.
• 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 a Bachelor’s degree in one of the behavioral sciences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience in the assessment of individual needs and the development of appropriate treatment program for a public or private organization.
• Two (2) years of professional experience reviewing, assessing, monitoring, and implementing behavioral programs for a public or private organization.
• Two (2) years of professional experience observing individuals’/patients’ response to treatment.
• Two (2) years of professional experience reviewing medical records and previous psychological evaluations to assist in conducting assessment to target behaviors.
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.
• Two (2) years of professional experience communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends and holidays.
• Requires the ability to physically restrain individuals as necessary to prevent injury to individual or others.
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
• Requires the ability to travel.
• 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: Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 4:00pm or 8:30pm - 4:30pm, 30 minute unpaid lunch

Headquarter Location: 1535 W Mccord St, Centralia, Illinois, 62801

Division of Developmental Disabilities

Murray Developmental Center

Psych/Behavioral Services

Work County: Clinton

Agency Contact: View email address on aiapply.co

Posting Group: Health Services; 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 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:

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this 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 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:

• View email address on aiapply.co
• View email address on aiapply.co