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SO
State of Illinois
ACTIVITY THERAPIST (UMP)
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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 for the Madden Mental Health Center located in Hines, Illinois to develop, coordinate, implement, evaluate and conduct a comprehensive diversified activity therapy program on assigned residential units. Makes detailed analysis and evaluation of patients' needs and their responses to treatment. Prepares records and reports for patient's medical record. Maintains ongoing evaluation of effectiveness of the Activity Therapy Programs. Attends monthly Psycho-Social Rehabilitation meetings.
Essential Functions Develops, coordinates, implements, evaluates, and conducts a comprehensive diversified activity therapy on assigned residential units which allows maximum involvement, achievement, and self-improvement for each patient. As a skilled member of the treatment team, completes the initial rehab functional assessment and makes detailed analysis and evaluation of patients' needs and their responses to treatment. Prepares records and reports for patient's medical record to include assessments and progress notes. Works closely with shift leaders, Mental Health Technicians, and professional disciplines to achieve effective interests, cooperation and staff participation in the Activity Therapy Program. Through established procedures, requests money from the Patient Activity Fund, spend properly and turns in receipts to carry out the function of the Activity Therapy Program. Maintains ongoing evaluation of effectiveness of the Activity Therapy Programs ensuring that patient needs are being met and recommends changes or improvements when indicated. Attends monthly Psycho-Social Rehabilitation meetings to discuss patient and program evaluation. Performs other duties as assigned or required 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 the ability to work weekends and holidays. Requires the ability to acquire and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate. Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers and basic computer skills. 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:
57014Opening Date:
07/07/2026Closing Date:
07/20/2026Agency:
Department of Human ServicesClass Title:
ACTIVITY THERAPIST
•00157Skill Option:
UMP CredentialBilingual Option:
NoneSalary:
Anticipated Salary:
$5,328•$7,480 per month ($63,936•$89,760 per year)Job Type:
SalariedCategory:
Full TimeCounty:
CookNumber 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 for the Madden Mental Health Center located in Hines, Illinois to develop, coordinate, implement, evaluate and conduct a comprehensive diversified activity therapy program on assigned residential units. Makes detailed analysis and evaluation of patients' needs and their responses to treatment. Prepares records and reports for patient's medical record. Maintains ongoing evaluation of effectiveness of the Activity Therapy Programs. Attends monthly Psycho-Social Rehabilitation meetings.
Essential Functions Develops, coordinates, implements, evaluates, and conducts a comprehensive diversified activity therapy on assigned residential units which allows maximum involvement, achievement, and self-improvement for each patient. As a skilled member of the treatment team, completes the initial rehab functional assessment and makes detailed analysis and evaluation of patients' needs and their responses to treatment. Prepares records and reports for patient's medical record to include assessments and progress notes. Works closely with shift leaders, Mental Health Technicians, and professional disciplines to achieve effective interests, cooperation and staff participation in the Activity Therapy Program. Through established procedures, requests money from the Patient Activity Fund, spend properly and turns in receipts to carry out the function of the Activity Therapy Program. Maintains ongoing evaluation of effectiveness of the Activity Therapy Programs ensuring that patient needs are being met and recommends changes or improvements when indicated. Attends monthly Psycho-Social Rehabilitation meetings to discuss patient and program evaluation. Performs other duties as assigned or required 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 the ability to work weekends and holidays. Requires the ability to acquire and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate. Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers and basic computer skills. 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.