Security Therapy Aide I

About the role

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, is hiring three Security Therapy Aide I positions at the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center in Springfield, Illinois. The aide performs duties associated with the direct therapeutic care of adult patients in a secure forensic unit on an assigned shift.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct activities, use therapeutic interventions and provide basic patient care consistent with each patient's treatment plan
• Monitor patient activities and behaviors to keep a safe, secure environment, including patient counts, head checks and other routine or special checks
• Encourage and assist patients to increase independence in activities of daily living
• Complete all records and documentation, electronically and manually, according to patient progress and treatment participation
• Complete mandatory training to maintain competency in age and illness-specific and departmental topics, including forensic and adolescent issues
• Transport or drive patients to court appearances, medical appointments and other needs outside the facility
• Travel in the performance of job duties and perform other duties as assigned

Required profile

• Knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to a high school diploma
• Successful completion of an approved Security Therapy Aide training program or equivalent experience
• Ability to physically restrain patients when necessary to prevent injury
• Ability to work after business hours, weekends and holidays
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel
• Ability to pass the IDHS background check and a drug screen for drugs prohibited under Illinois law

Required skills

• Use of office equipment, including personal computers
• Completion of the approved Security Therapy Aide training program

What we offer

• Anticipated salary of $5,727 to $8,078 per month ($68,724 to $96,936 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 when available, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and a deferred compensation program
• Optional pre-tax programs, GI Bill training benefits for qualifying veterans and a 5% salary differential for bilingual positions

Applications must be submitted electronically through the State of Illinois online application system; applications by email or paper are not accepted. The position is a union position, and the collective bargaining agreement applies.