MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

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 View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 . Job Requisition ID: 54215 Opening Date: 05/12/2026 Closing Date: 05/26/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Class Title: MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I - 26924 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Salary: (Effective 7/1/2026) $4,747 - $6,446 per month ($56,964 - $77,352 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. Position Overview Under direct supervision, performs beginning professional level duties and assists in reviewing, assessing, monitoring and implementing behavioral programs. Assists in performing professional psychological/behavioral activities. Maintains evaluative data. Serves as an active member of assigned committees, training programs and professional staff meetings. Assists in attending to individuals’ personal and transportation needs. Essential Functions Performs beginning level professional duties and assists in the reviewing, assessing, monitoring, and implementing of behavioral programs. Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Discusses individuals’ progress with family members/guardians, friends and community service representatives to enhance individuals’ response to treatment. Serves as an active member of assigned committees, training programs and professional staff meetings. Provides in‑service training, technical guidance and direction to staff and student workers assigned to assist in the provision and documentation of psychological/behavioral needs or individuals. 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 professional experience reviewing medical records and previous psychological evaluations to assist in conducting assessments to target behaviors of individuals/patients. 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 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. Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, 1‑hour unpaid lunch Unit 1/Clinical Services Posting Group: Health Services; Social Services Benefits 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr