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Unit Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Serves as Assistant Unit Director. * Serves as working supervisor . * Assists higher level administrators on administrative matters and program development and evaluations. * Serves as a member of ...

Assistant Unit Director

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$81K - $118K/yr

Serves as Assistant Unit Director. * Serves as working supervisor * Assists higher level administrators on administrative matters and program development and evaluations. * Serves as a member of the ...

Assistant Unit Director

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$81K - $118K/yr

Serves as Assistant Unit Director. * Serves as working supervisor . * Assists higher level administrators on administrative matters and program development and evaluations. * Serves as a member of ...

The Business Unit Director (BUD) - Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) positionis responsible forgeneral management,salesand P&L of the CIJ product line within a matrix organization. In direct coordination with ...

We are currently seeking a Mental Health Unit Director to join our team at the Joliet Inpatient Treatment Center located in Joliet, Illinois.Schedule: Monday through Thursday; 10 hour shifts or ...

The Business Unit Director (BUD) - Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) position is responsible for general management, sales and P&L of the CIJ product line within a matrix organization. In direct coordination ...

We are currently seeking a Mental Health Unit Director to join our team at the Pontiac Correctional Center located in Pontiac, Illinois. The Mental Health Unit Director is responsible for providing ...

We are currently seeking a Mental Health Unit Director to join our team at the Joliet Inpatient Treatment Center located in Joliet, Illinois. Schedule: Monday through Thursday; 10 hour shifts or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Unit Director information

See Illinois salary details

$21.8K

$73.9K

$142.4K

How much do unit director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for unit director in Illinois is $73,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a unit director?

Unit Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing the operations and management of a specific department, unit, or division within an organization. They ensure that their unit meets its goals, manages staff effectively, and operates within budgetary and organizational guidelines. Unit Directors also develop and implement policies, coordinate with other departments, and report to higher-level management. Their role is critical in maintaining the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the services provided by their unit.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a unit director?

To thrive as a Unit Director, you need strong leadership abilities, strategic planning skills, and relevant experience in the specific field, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with budgeting software, project management tools, and organizational systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, conflict resolution, and team-building skills help you lead diverse teams and drive unit performance. These competencies ensure effective oversight, operational efficiency, and achievement of organizational goals.

What are the primary challenges a unit director faces when managing multidisciplinary teams?

Unit Directors often oversee teams with diverse professional backgrounds, such as nurses, administrative staff, and allied health professionals. One of the main challenges is ensuring clear communication and collaboration across these varied roles to maintain high standards of care and operational efficiency. Balancing administrative responsibilities, such as budgeting and staffing, with hands-on leadership and staff development can also be demanding. Successful Unit Directors frequently rely on strong interpersonal skills and adaptability to foster a positive, cohesive team environment.

What is the difference between Unit Director vs Program Coordinator?

AspectUnit DirectorProgram Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; management experience preferredBachelor's degree typically required; experience in program support beneficial
Work EnvironmentLeads teams within organizations like healthcare, education, or social servicesSupports program implementation, often in similar settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare, education, government agenciesNonprofits, educational institutions, community programs

The main difference is that a Unit Director oversees entire units or departments, managing staff and operations, while a Program Coordinator supports specific programs within those units, focusing on coordination and logistics. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Unit jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Unit jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Unit Director jobs in Illinois?

For Unit Director jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Unit Director jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Unit Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Unit Director job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,915 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Assistant Unit Director

Kankakee, IL


State of Illinois
11 - 50 employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$81K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Requisition ID: 58006 

Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 09/02/2026
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR II - 26812 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $6,820 - $9,875 per month ($81,840 - $118,500 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Kankakee
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical 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.

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.

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.

Position Overview

The Division of Developmental Disabilities is seeking to hire a Mental Health Administrator II for the Shapiro Center located in Kankakee, Illinois to serve as the Assistant Unit Director to coordinate the overall function of the delivery of programs and services for individuals in an assigned unit. Supervises and directs activities of treatment teams to ensure individuals health/medical needs are met. Directs treatment teams in formulating and implementing treatment programs for assigned individuals. Serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team to ensure compliance with applicable department rules and regulations, Public Health standards, accreditation standards, Shapiro and Department policies, procedures, forms and guidelines.

Essential Functions
  • Serves as Assistant Unit Director.
  • Serves as working supervisor.
  • Assists higher level administrators on administrative matters and program development and evaluations.
  • Serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team to ensure compliance with applicable department rules and regulations, Public Health standards, accreditation standards, Shapiro and Department policies, procedures, forms and guidelines.
  • Reviews forms, logs and other reports ensuring information is accurate and is submitted in a timely manner.
  • 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 either (1) a master’s degree in administration, education or the behavioral sciences and one year of professional experience in or appliable to the provision of therapeutic patient services for persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities and successful completion of a comprehensive training program at the Mental Health Administrator Trainee level.

OR

  •  (2) One year of administrative experience in or applicable to the planning, formulation and implementation of therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment programs.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Three (3) years of professional experience directing and guiding the activities and services of a direct care program for intellectually disabled individuals for a public or private organization.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience monitoring implementation programs, evaluating the plans effectiveness.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience developing and implementing policy impacting services for a public or private organization.
  • Three (3) years of professional supervisory experience assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance and training staff.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience initiating corrective action to assure quality of services to individuals is in compliance with applicable department rules and regulations, Public Health Standards, accreditation standards, policies and procedures, forms and guidelines.
Conditions of Employment
  • Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends and holidays.
  • Requires the ability to physically restrain individuals as necessary to prevent injury to individual or others.
  • Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
  • Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
  • This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics

    Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

  • 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: Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm, 30 minute unpaid lunch

Headquarter Location: 100 E Jeffery St, Kankakee, Illinois, 60901

Division of Developmental Disabilities

Shapiro Center

Residential Services Unit 5

Work County: Kankakee

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Health Services; Social Services

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being of everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

  • 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 - (10 days in year one of employment)
    • Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
  • 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
  • GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
  • 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
  • Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

Statement of Economic Interest:

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic

Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

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


State of Illinois logo

About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

Social media


What State Of Illinois employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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