MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

State of Illinois • Park Forest, IL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• 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)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level