MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST I

State of IllinoisCentralia, IL
$56,964 - $77,352Onsite

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)
  • 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)
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