ACTIVITY THERAPIST (UMP)

Job Requisition ID: 57783 Opening Date: 08/13/2026 Closing Date: 08/26/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Class Title: ACTIVITY THERAPIST - 00157 Skill Option: UMP Credential Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,328 - $7,480 per month ($63,936 - $89,760 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. 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. 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 an Activity Therapist for the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center located in Chicago, Illinois to collaborate on the development and implementation of a comprehensive Activity Therapy (AT) program on an assigned patient care unit and/or in Central Programs. Provides clinical excellence in assessment, evaluation, treatment planning, group and/or individual treatment and documentation. Develops and maintains therapeutic relationships with patients. Represents AT effectively to treatment team members, other professionals and families; works therapeutically with a variety of diagnoses, culturally diverse populations and diverse age groups. Monitors and maintains adequate resources and creates, maintains and verifies a safe environment. Essential Functions Collaborates on the development and implementation of a comprehensive Activity Therapy (AT) program on an assigned patient care unit and/or in Central Programs. Attends, participates, and represents AT in all unit clinical and treatment team meetings. In collaboration with the Rehabilitation Department members and multidisciplinary staff, develops and reassesses the effectiveness of the AT programs for a patient care unit, service, sister-program and Central Programs with continuous assessment of the clinical appropriateness of programming suggesting changes to the Director of Rehabilitation. Monitors and maintains adequate resources and creates, maintains and verifies a safe environment for patients and staff. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Minimum Qualifications Requires a bachelor's degree with a major in therapeutic recreation, music therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, drama therapy, leisure studies or recreation with a specialization in recreational therapy, including successful completion of an approved internship, fieldwork or practicum. *This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title. Conditions of Employment Requires ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers. Requires the ability to obtain and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and CPI certification. 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. *All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. Work Hours: See below Monday-Friday with the choice of 7am-3pm or 7:30am-3:30pm or 8am-4pm or 8:30-4:30pm or 9am-5pm. Each shift requires 1 late day a week 11am-7pm or 12pm-8pm or 1pm-9pm; Every weekend off with the exception of working one weekend day every six weeks with the corresponding Wednesday off; 30-minute unpaid lunch; Activity Therapy Unit B-North Headquarter Location: 4200 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60634 Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Chicago Read Mental Health Center Activity Therapy Work County: Cook Agency Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io Posting Group: 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 of 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) Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time 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). #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Illinois