Registered Nurse I

at Illinois Department of Human Services in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Agency: Department of Human Services

Job Requisition ID: 56879 

Location: Chicago, Illinois, 60634

Opening Date: 7/08/2026

Closing Date: 7/21/2026

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $6,604 - $8,960 per month ($79,248 - $107,520 per year)

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

***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 Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire an independent, highly organized, and detail-oriented licensed Registered Nurse for the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center located in Chicago, Illinois. This position will be responsible for performing direct nursing care for people with mental illness.  The successful candidate shall demonstrate good oral and written communication skills, be a self-starter, and be able to carry out nursing assignments pursuant to the direction of medical personnel.

Essential Functions

• Utilizing the nursing process, provides professional nursing care to mentally ill patients on a living unit on an assigned shift.
• Provides guidance to lower-level staff for adherence to treatment plans and compliance with applicable operational policies and procedures, current professional standards of psychiatric mental health patient care.
• Performs a variety of nursing care functions including preparing and administering medication, laboratory specimens, preparing patients for specialized diagnostic testing, providing Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Consults with physicians and other professional staff regarding patient treatment and care.
• Monitors the use of appropriate techniques to ensure a safe, secure therapeutic and sanitary environment of care and general performance of duties.
• Completes mandatory nursing training requirements and continuing education workshops and seminars to maintain professional competency.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends, and holidays on a rotation basis.
• Requires the ability to serve on an on-call basis.
• Requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Requires ability to acquire and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers and basic computer skills.
• Requires the ability to physically restrain patients as necessary to prevent injury to the patient or others.
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
• 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: 2:45pm - 11:00pm Week 1 off Mon/Sat, Week 2 off Sun/Thurs (repeats every 14 days); 45-minute unpaid lunch

Nursing - A-South 

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

Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery  

Chicago-Read Mental Health Center

Nursing Services

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Health Services; Social Services

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.