Mental Health Technician Trainee

To access more recruitment resources, please email your resume to DHS.Recruitment@illinois.gov.

Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services

Job Requisition ID: 48743 

Location: Centralia, Illinois, 62801

Opening Date: 8/26/2026

Closing Date: 8/27/2027

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $4,272 - $5,641 per month ($51,264 - $67,692 per year)

County: Clinton

Number of Vacancies: 100

***MUST APPLY ONLINE ***

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. 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 Developmental Disabilities is seeking to hire a Mental Health Technician Trainee at the Murray Developmental Center located in Centralia, Illinois. The incumbent will, for a period of time from six (6) and not to exceed twelve (12) months, receive instruction and training in providing care for individuals with developmental disabilities. Conducts activities and programs and escorting of individuals to participate in the receipt of community services. Attends formal classes for instruction in the basic elements of nursing practices and techniques and to gain an elementary understanding of the causes, nature, treatment and habilitation of mental illness or developmental disabilities. 

Essential Functions

• For a period from six (6) and not to exceed twelve (12) months, receives instruction and training in caring for individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities.
• Observes the technical staff in the general performance of technical duties carried out within a unit/cottage related to resident’s general care and management in compliance of resident's rehabitation plan.
• Receives training in techniques of observation of residents, reports on their behavior and interacts with them in a positive manner.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly unit by performing general housekeeping tasks, such as spot mopping, cleaning spills, wiping tables and making of beds and lifting up 50 pounds. 
• 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 individuals as necessary to prevent injury to the individual 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 performance of job duties. 
• Requires the ability to pass standard Physical Agility testing. 
• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
• Requiries 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 Variable shifts.

Work Location: 1535 W Mccord St, Centralia, Illinois, 62801

Division of Developmental Disabilities

Murray Developmental Center

Training

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Health Services; Social Services

* Please note, trainee positions are filled on a continuous basis. There may be extended wait times between application and job offer.

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need all across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

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 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)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx