Expressive Therapist
Listed compensation
$23-$26/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
- Job Location: Chicago Behavioral Hospital - Des Plaines, IL 60016
- Salary Range: $23.00 - $26.00 HourlyJOIN OUR TEAM AS AN EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST! Your Work Matters How will you make a difference? Join our dynamic team at Chicago Behavioral Hospital and make a difference as an Expressive Therapist! In this role, you'll have the opportunity to plan and execute engaging activity services for our patients, contributing directly to their treatment goals and overall well-being. As a valued member of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide continuous care, interaction, and positive role modeling to patients, fostering an environment conducive to healing and growth. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact in behavioral healthcare, we want to hear from you! Observe and apply sound judgment to patients' physical and mental conditions/needs. Document and communicate changes in patient's appearance, behavior, and ability to work towards treatment plan goals. Provide assessment in psychosocial/leisure and recreational skills development/deficiency. Assist patients in achieving their optimum level of independent functioning. Plan and implement activity therapy for assigned patient caseload within the facility. Model and teach patients appropriate social, coping, and stress management techniques. Contribute to treatment plans with specific goals and interventions in therapeutic activities. Your Experience Matters What we’re looking for: Education/Licensure: Bachelor's or Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Art Therapy (ATR, ATR-P, ATR-BC, ATCS), Dance/Movement Therapy (R-DMT, BCDMT), Drama Therapy (P-RDT, RDT), Music Therapy (MT-BC), Occupational Therapy (OTR/L, OTD), Recreational Therapy (CTRS), Yoga Therapy (C-IAYT) or related therapeutic discipline with an LPC/LCPC or LSW/LCSW preferred. Experience: One (1) year of related experience, with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques and understanding of mental illness, preferred. Additional Requirements: Must pass a competency exam upon hire. May need to work evenings, weekends, holidays, flexible hours, and overtime. Your Care Matters What we provide for our team: 401(k) + matching Health Insurance 100% company-paid life insurance coverage up to 2x your annual salary Vision insurance Dental insurance 100% company-paid long term disability insurance Paid time off Paid holidays Cafeteria on site + discounted meals Employee engagement events Employee assistance program Employee recognition program Free parking What sets us apart: Career & training development opportunities Dynamic and inclusive work environment Engaged management team dedicated to your success A guiding mission and set of values that serve as both our northstar and yours, anchoring our collective purpose and aspirations Disclaimer: Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of Chicago Behavioral Hospital
- Compensation: The expected compensation range for this role is $23.00 - $26.00 an hour
We’re eager to engage with all qualified candidates, and consideration will be provided to experience and skill level. Join us as our Expressive Therapist!
Qualifications
Get to know us Outstanding Care, Compassionate People, Unparalleled Service Discover a fulfilling career at Chicago Behavioral Hospital (CBH)! Welcome to the heart of mental health treatment innovation in Des Plaines, Illinois!
CBH, a cutting-edge 150-bed inpatient facility, is the leading provider of exceptional therapeutic care, prioritizing patient comfort and safety. At CBH, we go beyond inpatient care by offering an outpatient partial hospitalization program, ensuring continuous support while respecting the rhythm of daily lives.
Our commitment to accessible care knows no bounds, as we emphasize availability irrespective of one's ability to pay. Join us in providing exceptional care and contributing to the well-being of individuals and families in need and be a part of the transformative healthcare experience at Chicago Behavioral Hospital.
To learn more about CBH, visit us at: chicagobehavioralhospital.com TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE POSITIVE I.M.P.A.C.T.S. Individuals Maintaining Positive Attitude and Commitment To Service ____________ At Chicago Behavioral Hospital, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
The Expressive Therapist will plan and implement therapeutic activity services to support patient treatment goals and overall well-being. They are responsible for observing patient conditions, documenting progress, and providing positive role modeling within an interdisciplinary team.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant therapeutic discipline such as Art, Music, or Recreational Therapy, with professional licensure preferred. At least one year of related experience in psychiatric patient care is preferred, and the ability to pass a competency exam is required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Key Skills
Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 36% are remote, 30% have no call, 66% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$51k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $51k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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