Corrections Leisure Activity Specialist

Position Title: Corrections Leisure Activities Specialist IV

Job Requisition ID: 57272 Opening Date: 07/17/2026Closing Date: 07/30/2026 11:59 p.m.Agency: Department of CorrectionsClass Title: CORR LEISURE ACTIVITIES SPEC IV (09814) Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $7,239 a month; Full Range $7,239-$10,440 a monthJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time County: MaconNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: CU500 Supervisory Employees in Corrections and Juvenile Justice, AFSCME effective July 1, 2019Merit 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.

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 Corrections must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

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

As a Corrections Leisure Activities Specialist IV, you will be part of a diverse team who oversees opportunities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, cultural, social, and emotional learning and growth. These opportunities not only help individuals to develop and enhance their skillsets, but they also better equip them to be a productive member of society.  We invite you to come make a difference in other’s lives and truly impact change.

Essential Functions

• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Plans, directs, and schedules a comprehensive and diversified program of appropriate leisure time activities geared to the specific interests and needs of individuals in custody.
• Completes reports.
• Prepares and authorizes equipment requisitions from staff.
• 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 college, supplemented by a master's degree with major coursework in leisure studies, physical education, recreation, occupational therapy, art education, fine arts, studio arts, graphics, color and design, music, theater, or speech and communications.
• Requires two (2) years professional supervisory experience in leisure activity services, recreation, occupational, park district and industrial therapy in an institutional or community setting. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience providing a comprehensive and diversified program of appropriate leisure time activities.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience compiling data and creating reports relative to individual involvement for structured and unstructured programming.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience providing recreational and programmatic events.
• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience working with individuals in a custody setting.
• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience facilitating group activities.
• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience planning special events.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.
• Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer. 
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

Work Hours: See below

8am-4pm Mon-Fri, Sat/Sun off

Headquarter Location: Decatur Correctional Center 2310 E Mound Rd, Decatur, Illinois, 62526
Work County: Macon
Agency Contact: Nereyda Anaya
Email: Nereyda.Anaya@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Public Safety

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

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

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

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included. Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression. The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

As a IDOC employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:

• Flexible work schedules in some program areas (flexible time and hybrid options)
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
• Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement
• Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs
• Paid state holidays 13-14 days annually
• 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, and vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
• For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx