SECURITY THERAPY AIDE I

Job Requisition ID: 59516 
Opening Date: 10/15/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026
Agency:  Department of Human Services
Class Title:  SEC THERAPY AIDE I - 39901 
Skill Option:  None  
Bilingual Option:  None
Salary:  Anticipated Salary: $5,727 - $8,078 per month ($68,724 - $96,936 per year)
Job Type:  Salaried
Category:  Full Time  
Number of Vacancies: 22
Bargaining Unit Code:  RC009 Institutional Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 
Work Hours : Various shifts, see below:

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit A

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Wed/Thur, 30 min paid lunch, Unit A

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit A

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Thur/Fri, 30 min paid lunch, Unit A

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Mon/Tue, 30 min paid lunch, Unit B

(2 Vacancies) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Mon/Tue, 30 min paid lunch, Unit C

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit C

(2 Vacancies) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Wed/Thur, 30 min paid lunch, Unit C

(2 Vacancies) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Mon/Tue, 30 min paid lunch, Unit C

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Wed/Thur, 30 min paid lunch, Unit C

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Mon/Tue, 30 min paid lunch, Unit D

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit D

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Mon/Tue, 30 min paid lunch, Unit E

(1 Vacancy) 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit E

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Mon/Tue, 30 min paid lunch, Unit E

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Tue/Wed, 30 min paid lunch, Unit E

(1 Vacancy) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Sun/Mon, 30 min paid lunch, Unit F

(2 Vacancies) 11:00 pm - 7:00 am; Days Off: Wed/Thur, 30 min paid lunch, Unit F

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability : Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location : 1315 Lehman Dr, Chester, Illinois, 62233

Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery

Chester Mental Health Center

Security Therapy- Facility Wide

Work County : Randolph
Agency Contact : View email address on us.fitly.work  

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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 Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Security Therapy Aide I for the Chester Mental Health Center located in Chester, Illinois to perform routine tasks in dispensing therapeutic custodial care to mentally ill patients in a maximum-security environment on an assigned shift on an assigned unit. Escorts and oversees the patient’s movements, conduct, activities and basic care of patients under his/her jurisdiction. Assists patients with their daily living needs. Assists in the orientation of newly admitted patients. Provides subprofessional counseling. Prepares routine reports concerning patient behavior, progress and response to treatment of medication. Confers with supervisor concerning special programs. Actively participates and mediates in the settlement of disputes and altercations. Performs routine checks of security equipment and interior of the buildings. Assists in the on-the-job training to the Security Therapy Aide Trainees. Provides security escorts within the facility and escorts patients for medical services and court appearances outside the facility. Travels in the performance of job duties.

Essential Functions

• Performs routine tasks in dispensing therapeutic custodial care to mentally ill patients in a maximum-security environment on an assigned shift on an assigned unit.
• Maintains roster of patients for specific areas.
• Escorts and oversees the patient’s movements, conduct, activities and basic care of patients under his/her jurisdiction.
• Actively participates and mediates in the settlement of disputes and altercations among the patient population.
• Performs routine checks of security equipment and interior of the buildings to ensure the integrity of the security systems, locks, screens, etc.
• Serves as active treatment team members.
• Assists in, observes and/or follows specific treatment programs developed by the treatment team for the individual patient’s problems and treatment.
• Operates security and surveillance equipment essential to the overall security of the facility.
• Directly supervises patient hygiene and safety to ensure that the personal care needs of the patient are met.
• 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 completion of high school.
• Requires successful completion of an approved Security Therapy Aide Training Program or equivalent experience.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to walk and stand for a significant period of time including stooping, bending and lifting. 
• Requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Requires a valid driver’s license. 
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties. 
• Requires the ability to physically restrain patients as necessary to prevent injury to patient or others. 
• Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends and holidays. 
• Requires the ability to acquire and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate. 
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers. 
• 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.

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: 

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 or by logging in to the for State employees and viewing the instructions on .

Non-State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the External Applicant Guide at or from – click 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 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 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:

• View email address on us.fitly.work
• View email address on us.fitly.work