MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST TRAINEE

Job Requisition ID:

54346

Opening Date:

05/12/2026

Closing Date:

05/26/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services Class Title:

MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST TRAINEE

•26928

Skill Option:

None Bilingual Option:

None Salary:

Anticipated Salary (Effective 7/1/2026): $4,568•$6,133 per month ($54,816•$73,569 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. 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 Under immediate supervision, for a period of no less than six months and not to exceed twelve months, participates in a structured training program to develop skills in data collection and analysis of behavioral data within developmental disabilities and behavioral health services. Assists in reviewing and monitoring individualized behavior plans while maintaining accurate evaluative data to inform care. Essential Functions For a period of no less than six months and not to exceed twelve months, receives instructions and training in the ability to review, assess, and monitor behavioral programs. Observes individuals' response to treatment and reports to the Clinical and Behavioral Director on findings. Observes meetings with clinical/behavioral department staff and individuals' family members/guardians regarding the responses to individuals' treatments. Completes informal classroom training and on-the-job training regarding behavioral programs and the assessments of individuals and their behavioral needs. 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 four (4) years of college. Preferred Qualifications Two (2) years of professional experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Two (2) years of professional experience performing professional psychological/behavioral activities. Two (2) years of professional experience working with residential treatment programs, services, policies, and procedures. 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 documenting with strong attention to detail. Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing critical thinking skills while multi-tasking. 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, 8:30am•5:00pm, 1-hour unpaid lunch Unit 1/

Clinical Services Headquarter Location:

114 N Orchard Dr, Park Forest, Illinois, 60466

Division of Developmental Disabilities Ludeman Developmental Center Clinical and Behavioral Services Work County:

Cook Agency Contact:

DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group:

Health Services; Social Services About the

Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness. 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: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this 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 to the career portal for State of Illinois employees•a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account. If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com•click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website. 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: donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com