Job Description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials .

Job Requisition ID: 52890

Closing Date: 01/30/2026

Agency: Department of Veterans' Affairs

Class Title: ACTIVITY PROGRAM AIDE II - 00152

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: $3,719 - $4,877/Monthly; CBA language applies; Anticipated starting salary $3,719/monthly

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.

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.

Essential Functions

• Suggests, organizes, and implements planned individual and group activities.
• Encourages individual interest in participation either in one on one or group interaction.
• Observes behavior, participation level, reactions, and progress of individuals.
• Escorts veterans to and from activity areas observing safety precautions and assumes responsibility for personal needs and control of veterans while in the activity area.
• Maintains orderly storage of activity supplies and equipment.
• 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 four (4) years of high school.
• Requires one (1) year of experience in the field of activity program service.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year knowledge of the principles of care, treatment, and supervision of the residents.
• One (1) year experience in observing resident behavior and/or reactions and reporting such behavior and/or reactions.
• One (1) year experience in instructing and directing individual or small group activities and maintaining resident interest and participation in the activities.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass a background check.
• Requires the ability to pass a drug screen and pre-employment physical.
• Requires the ability to meet all agency vaccine/health-related policies and guidance.
• Requires ability acquire and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
• Requires the ability to stand for the duration of the shift, aside from official breaks and lunch period.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• This position is considered heavy work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(d)). Heavy work involves lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: 2 - 9:00 AM - 5:00PM rotating weekends & 2 -10:00AM - 6:00PM rotating weekends

Headquarter Location: 4250 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60634

Work County: Cook

Email: IDVA.HR.APPLICANTS@ILLINOIS.GOV

Posting Group: Social Services

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP) . General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission . UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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.

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:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

Nearest Major Market: Chicago

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, H1b, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Afternoon shift,

Similar Jobs