At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food preparation and service for patients at Chester Mental Health Center.
- Company: Join the compassionate team at the Illinois Department of Human Services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, paid leave, and flexible work schedules.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: High school diploma and some experience in support services required.
The predicted salary is between 45864 - 60720 £ per year.
The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Support Service Worker for the Chester Mental Health Center located in Chester, Illinois to assist with the preparation and serving of food items for the patients at Chester Mental Health Center. Performs cleaning and maintenance work in the food service area. Assists with the stocking of food items.
Essential Functions:
- Assists with the preparation and serving of food items for the patients at Chester Mental Health Center.
- Performs cleaning and maintenance work in the food services area.
- Assists with the stocking of food items.
- Instructs or directs other workers assigned to the dietary department in preparation of food items.
- 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 supplemented by six months experience in the support service functional area to which assigned.
Conditions of Employment:
- Per P.A. 98-0566 requires the ability to complete an ANSI Accredited food handler course and obtain a Food Handlers certification within 30 days of employment.
- Requires the ability to perform heavy physical labor and to push/pull carts to transport items lifting more than 75 pounds with assistance.
- Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
- Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.
Work Hours: Various shifts available.
Benefits:
- 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
- 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
- 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
- Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
Support Service Worker in Chester employer: State of Illinois
The State of Illinois is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. With a strong commitment to compassion, equity, and employee development, you will benefit from a robust package of competitive benefits, including generous paid leave, flexible work schedules, and a pension program, all while working in a supportive environment at the Chester Mental Health Center. Join us in shaping a brighter future for Illinois residents while advancing your career in a fulfilling role as an Activity Therapist.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Service Worker in Chester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at State of Illinois.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from State of Illinois!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like State of Illinois, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at State of Illinois or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Service Worker in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to State of Illinois:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to State of Illinois! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at State of Illinois
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
