Mental Health Specialist I

State of Illinois • Clinton, MD

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Developmental Disabilities is seeking to hire a Mental Health Specialist I for the Murray Developmental Center located in Centralia, Illinois to perform beginning 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 the provision and documentation of the psychological/behavioral needs of individuals.

Requirements

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to (1) a bachelor’s degree in one of the behavioral sciences and successful completion of a comprehensive training program at the Mental Health Specialist Trainee level. OR (2) Two years of paraprofessional experience in, or applicable to the care, treatment, and development of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities and successful completion of an approved training program.
• Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Requires the ability to physically restrain individuals as necessary to prevent injury to individual or others.
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
• Requires the ability to travel.
• 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 experience performing professional psychological/behavioral activities.
• Two (2) years of professional experience reviewing medical records and previous psychological evaluations to assist in conducting assessments to target behaviors.
• 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.
• Two (2) years of professional experience communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Performs beginning level 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/behavior needs of individuals.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required 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)
• 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)

What This Job Offers

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