Security Therapy Aide Trainee

About the role

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, is hiring a Security Therapy Aide Trainee for the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center Forensic Unit in Springfield, IL. The trainee receives six to twelve months of on-the-job training and experience providing therapeutic custodial care to adults in a secure residential care forensic unit.

Key responsibilities

• Receive on-the-job training in interpersonal relationships and develop a counseling role with selected patients
• Assist higher-level staff in overall patient care on various units of the facility
• Learn methods for escorting patients to meals, recreation, therapy, consultations, hearings and inter-institutional transfers
• Observe and intervene in patient behavior using aggression management techniques and assist in restraining patients with behavior problems
• With guidance, administer simple oral medications
• Help make periodic patient counts and transport patients to court appearances and medical appointments
• Perform other duties within the scope of the listed duties

Required profile

• High school level knowledge, skill and mental development
• Ability to physically restrain patients when necessary and to lift up to 50 pounds
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel in the course of duty
• Ability to work after business hours, weekends and holidays
• Ability to pass physical agility testing, the IDHS background check and a drug screen
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; the state does not sponsor visas

Required skills

• CPR certificate (must be acquired and maintained)
• Aggression management and restraint techniques

What we offer

• Anticipated salary of $4,544-$6,051 per month ($54,528-$72,612 per year)
• Pension program and competitive group insurance (health, life, dental, vision)
• 12 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, 10-25 vacation days and 3 personal business days
• Flexible 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

Applications must be submitted electronically through the State of Illinois online application system; applications by email or paper are not accepted. The position is salaried, full time, with 24/7 variable shifts and is a union position.