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SO
State of Illinois
ACTIVITY THERAPIST COORDINATOR
Career Insights for Recreational Therapist
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What they do
A Recreational Therapist directs and coordinates recreational activities for people with disabilities or illness to help them improve their emotional and physical well-being, improve motor skills and increase confidence. Leads activities involving movement, sports, games, and other activities for brain stimulation. Assists patients with disabilities to learn to use public resources such as parks and public transportation, and integrate in the community. Works with people of all ages, in schools, nursing homes, clinics and other healthcare facilities, or in parks and recreation departments.
$56,740 / year median in Illinois
+0% projected growth
Job Description
Position Overview The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire an Activity Therapist Coordinator for the Chester Mental Health Center located in Chester, Illinois to plan, implement and evaluate the activity therapy treatment programs on an assigned unit, on an assigned shift. Serves as lead worker. Determines training needs for lower-level staff. Plans and evaluates unit programming, coordinates the duties of lower-level staff, participates in facility-wide program planning, determines unit fiscal needs on a periodic basis, interprets activity therapy to other unit staff. Verifies compliance with accepted rules and procedures regarding activity therapy and participating in the treatment team functions of the assigned unit. Attends treatment team meetings. Reviews and approves all clinical documentation. Prepares, maintains and submits monthly patient attendance records.
Essential Functions Plans, implements and evaluates activity therapy treatment programs on an assigned, unit on an assigned shift verifying all activity therapy programs are carried out. Attends treatment team meetings. Serves as designated lead worker. Reviews and approves all clinical documentation pertaining to lower-level activity therapy staff including a quarterly auditing of a significant sample (not less than 33%) of unit clinical records and the documentation of such with specific deficiencies and recommended remedial action. Plans and evaluates unit programming. Meets with Activity Therapist Supervisor and lower-level activity therapy staff for the purpose of coordinating activity therapy duties in view of treatment needs, security requirements and utilization of fiscal resources. Determines training needs for lower-level staff. Prepares, maintains and submits monthly patient attendance records to the Activity Therapist Supervisor. 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 and drama therapy, leisure studies or recreation with a specialization in recreational therapy, including successful completion of approved internship, fieldwork or practicum, supplemented by two (2) years of professional experience as an Activity Therapist OR requires a master'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 and one (1) year of professional experience as an Activity Therapist. Conditions of Employment 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.
Job Requisition ID:
57150 OpeningDate:
07/07/2026Closing Date:
07/20/2026Agency:
Department of Human ServicesClass Title:
ACTIVITY THERAPIST COORDINATOR
•00160Skill Option:
NoneBilingual Option:
NoneSalary:
Anticipated Salary:
$5,834•$8,683 per month ($70,008•$104,196 per year)Job Type:
SalariedCategory:
Full TimeCounty:
RandolphNumber of Vacancies:
1Bargaining Unit Code:
RC062Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit 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. 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 an Activity Therapist Coordinator for the Chester Mental Health Center located in Chester, Illinois to plan, implement and evaluate the activity therapy treatment programs on an assigned unit, on an assigned shift. Serves as lead worker. Determines training needs for lower-level staff. Plans and evaluates unit programming, coordinates the duties of lower-level staff, participates in facility-wide program planning, determines unit fiscal needs on a periodic basis, interprets activity therapy to other unit staff. Verifies compliance with accepted rules and procedures regarding activity therapy and participating in the treatment team functions of the assigned unit. Attends treatment team meetings. Reviews and approves all clinical documentation. Prepares, maintains and submits monthly patient attendance records.
Essential Functions Plans, implements and evaluates activity therapy treatment programs on an assigned, unit on an assigned shift verifying all activity therapy programs are carried out. Attends treatment team meetings. Serves as designated lead worker. Reviews and approves all clinical documentation pertaining to lower-level activity therapy staff including a quarterly auditing of a significant sample (not less than 33%) of unit clinical records and the documentation of such with specific deficiencies and recommended remedial action. Plans and evaluates unit programming. Meets with Activity Therapist Supervisor and lower-level activity therapy staff for the purpose of coordinating activity therapy duties in view of treatment needs, security requirements and utilization of fiscal resources. Determines training needs for lower-level staff. Prepares, maintains and submits monthly patient attendance records to the Activity Therapist Supervisor. 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 and drama therapy, leisure studies or recreation with a specialization in recreational therapy, including successful completion of approved internship, fieldwork or practicum, supplemented by two (2) years of professional experience as an Activity Therapist OR requires a master'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 and one (1) year of professional experience as an Activity Therapist. Conditions of Employment 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.