MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN TRAINEE

Chicago · On-site$51k – $68k

About this role

Job Requisition ID: 57992 

Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 09/03/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN TRAINEE - 27020 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $4,272 - $5,641 per month ($51,264 - $67,692 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 4
Bargaining Unit Code: RC009 Institutional Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 

 

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 illinois.jobs2web.com 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 Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Mental Health Tech Trainee at the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center located in Chicago, Illinois. The incumbent will, for a period of from six (6) and not to exceed twelve (12) months, receives training, instruction and performs entry level, routine personal care services and therapeutic activities in the treatment and habilitation of mentally ill patients at Chicago-Read Mental Health Center. Receives training in the Interdisciplinary Team process.  Ensures the patient service environment is maintained.

Essential Functions

  • For a period of from six (6) and not to exceed twelve (12) months, receives training, instruction and performs entry level, routine personal care services and therapeutic activities in the treatment and habilitation of mentally ill patients at Chicago-Read Mental Health Center.
  • Receives training in the Interdisciplinary Team process and assists under direct observation, in the implementation of the active treatment/daily activity schedule on the inpatient unit.
  • Ensures the patient service environment is maintained to meet Department, Hospital and regulatory standards.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned 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 ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Requires the ability to physically restrain patients as necessary to prevent injury to the patient or others.
  • Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends, and holidays.
  • Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
  • 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.

Work Hours: 24/7 Various Shifts

Headquarter Location: 4200 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60634

Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery

Chicago-Read Mental Health Center

Nursing Department

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: [email protected]

Posting Group: Health Services; Social Services

 

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 of 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)
    • Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time 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: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

 

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this 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 to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

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:

Company at a glance

DCFS is responsible for protecting children and strengthening families through the investigation and intervention of suspected child abuse. If you suspect a child is being maltreated or a family is in need of help, call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE. All calls are confidential. The Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day.

Founded1964
Team Size1,001-5,000 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryIndividual and Family Services
Location
Chicago, Illinois, United States

Top Benefits

  • Pension Program
  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Personal Business Days
  • Paid Sick Days
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Deferred Compensation Program
  • Medical Care Assistance Plan
  • Dependent Care Assistance Plan
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • GI Bill Training/Apprenticeship Benefits
  • Commuter Savings Program

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