Mental Health Specialist Trainee

Mental Health Specialist Trainee

The Division of Developmental Disabilities is seeking to hire a Mental Health Specialist Trainee for the Murray Developmental Center located in Centralia, Illinois. For a period of no less than six months and not to exceed twelve months, receives instructions and training in the ability to review, assess, monitor, and implement behavioral programs. Receives training in the maintenance of evaluative data and the ability to provide technical guidance and direction to less experienced staff.

Assists in the assessment of individuals and their behavioral needs.

Essential functions include receiving a minimum of 120 hours in formal classroom training and a minimum of 400 hours in on-the-job training in the assessment of individual needs and the development of appropriate treatment programs. Observes individuals' response to treatment and reports to the Chief Psychologist on findings. Observes meetings with psych/behavioral department staff and individuals' family members/guardians regarding the responses to individuals' treatments.

Completes informal classroom training and on-the-job training regarding behavioral programs and the assessment of individuals and their behavioral needs. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum qualifications require knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in one of the behavioral sciences. Preferred qualifications include two years of professional experience in the assessment of individual needs and the development of appropriate treatment programs for a public or private organization. Two years of professional experience reviewing, assessing, monitoring, and implementing behavioral programs for a public or private organization.

Two years of professional experience observing individuals'/patients' response to treatment. Two years of professional experience reviewing medical records and previous psychological evaluations to assist in conducting assessment to target behaviors. Two years of professional experience working with persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. Two years of professional experience communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.

Work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm or 8:30pm - 4:30pm, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch. The headquarter location is 1535 W Mccord St, Centralia, Illinois, 62801. The Division of Developmental Disabilities Murray Developmental Center Psych/Behavioral Services is located in Clinton County. Agency contact is DHS.Hiring Unit.

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 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 a pension program, competitive group insurance benefits including health, life, dental, and vision insurance, paid personal business days, paid sick days, paid vacation time, paid holidays, flexible work schedules, paid parental leave, deferred compensation program, optional pre-tax programs, federal public service loan forgiveness program eligibility, GI Bill® training/apprenticeship benefits eligibility for qualifying veterans, salary differential for bilingual positions, and commuter savings program (Chicago only).