Activity Therapist (Music Therapy, UMP)

About the role

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery of the Illinois Department of Human Services is hiring an Activity Therapist for the Chester Mental Health Center in Chester, Illinois. The therapist provides therapeutically designed activities for patients, teaching and instructing through music as a therapeutic activity, and works as a member of the treatment team. The position is full-time, salaried, and falls within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP); it is a union position.

Key responsibilities

• Provide therapeutically designed activities for patients and assess their needs for activity/music therapy
• Participate in formulating treatment plans and write program notes
• Complete activity therapy assessments and evaluate data for habilitation plans and therapeutic modalities
• Plan, implement and participate in facility-wide special events, including music programs, holiday parties and sporting events
• Attend Activity Therapy meetings, committees and in-service training
• Provide coverage for Activity Therapy
• Review, select and recommend materials and equipment for the music therapy program, subject to availability of funds

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation, music therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, drama therapy, leisure studies or recreation, with a specialization in recreational therapy and successful completion of an approved internship, fieldwork or practicum
• Ability to physically restrain patients when necessary to prevent injury
• Ability to obtain and maintain a CPR certificate
• Ability to stoop, bend, lift or exert up to 20 pounds of force
• Ability to use office equipment, including personal computers
• Ability to pass the IDHS background check and a drug screen

What we offer

• Anticipated salary of $5,328-$7,819 per month ($63,936-$93,828 per year)
• Pension program and competitive group insurance (health, life, dental and vision)
• 12 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, 10-25 paid vacation days and 3 paid personal business days
• Flexible work schedules where available, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and deferred compensation program
• Pre-tax programs, GI Bill benefits for veterans and a 5% salary differential for bilingual positions

Work hours are Monday to Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm and Sunday 12:00pm-8:00pm, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch. The position is fully in the office. Applications must be submitted electronically through the State of Illinois online application system.