SECURITY THERAPY AIDE TRAINEE

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 59949 Opening Date: 11/05/2026 Closing Date: 11/19/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Class Title: SEC THERAPY AIDE TR - 39905 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Salary: $4,544 - $6,051 per month ($54,528 - $72,612 per year) Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time Number of Vacancies: 3 Bargaining Unit Code: RC009 Institutional Employees, AFSCME Merit Comp Code: Work Hours : 24/7 Variable shifts. Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability : Not available, fully in office Headquarter Location : 901 E Southwind Rd, Springfield, Illinois, 62703 Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center Forensic Unit Work County : Sangamon Agency Contact : ​ This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended. All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois. Position Overview The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Security Therapy Aide Trainee for the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center located in Springfield, Illinois to receive training and on-the-job experience in providing therapeutic custodial care to adults in a secure residential care forensic unit for a period of six to twelve months. Receives on-the-job training in implementing interpersonal relationships. Assists higher level staff in overall patient care. Receives training regarding methods used to escort patients. Escorts patients to court appearances, medical appointments, and other needs outside of the facility. Receives training on methods used to observe and intervene in patient behavior. Assists in making periodic counts of patients. Travels in performance of job duties. Essential Functions For a period of six (6) to twelve (12) months, receives training and on-the-job experience in providing therapeutic custodial care to adults in a secure residential care forensic unit. Receives on-the-job training in implementing interpersonal relationships and developing a counseling role with selected patients. Assists higher level staff in overall patient care on various units within the facility. Receives training regarding methods used to escort patients to meals, recreation areas, group or patient therapy locations, consultations with professional habilitation personnel, hearings or on inter-institutional transfers and assists higher level unit staff. Receives training on methods used to observe and intervene in patient behavior using aggression management techniques and assists higher level staff to physically restrain patients with behavior problems. Receives training and with guidance, administers simple oral medications. Assists in making periodic counts of patients. Transports/drives patients to court appearances, medical appointments, and other needs outside of the facility. Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Minimum Qualifications Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of high school. Conditions of Employment Requires the ability to physically restrain patients as necessary to prevent injury to the patient or others. Requires the ability to walk and stand for a significant period of time, including stooping, bending and lifting Requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Requires the ability to acquire and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate. Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends, and holidays. Requires a valid driver’s license. Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties. Requires the ability to pass standard Physical Agility testing. Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check. Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law. *All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. About the Agency The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity. As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following: 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) For more information about our benefits please follow this link: This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs). APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the Current Employee Guide at Application Procedures or by logging in to the career portal for State employees and viewing the instructions on Completing the Electronic Application . Non-State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the External Applicant Guide at Application Procedures or from – click Application Resources in the footer of every page of the website. Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of the posting to begin the application process. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. State employees should sign in via the Employee Login link in the top right of the homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to their career portal. Non-State employees should click the Sign Up link in the top right of the homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to an existing external account or to create a new external account. State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section. The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: