EntryFull TimeEN
Unit-based GAT1
General Activities Therapist 1
Who we are:
At the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), we strive to exemplify The Heart of Hope for individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders.
We proudly employ over 2,800 dedicated employees across our six inpatient behavioral health hospitals, Ohio Pharmacy Services, Ohio's prison systems, and the central office located in the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus, OH.
DBH Values:
Our team of highly qualified professionals advances a critical system of behavioral healthcare in Ohio that helps people be well, get well, and stay well. Join our collaborative, service-oriented environment, where you will be respected and valued.
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is proud to be an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace, committed to supporting the health and well-being of all employees, including those in recovery. We foster an inclusive, stigma-free environment where individuals impacted by mental health and substance use challenges are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our workplace culture promotes wellness, second-chance hiring, and recovery-informed policies that reflect our mission to serve Ohioans with compassion and respect, both in the community and within our own team.
What you’ll do at DBH:
Plans, organizes, conducts & ensures implementation of Activity Therapy programs/services that meet the patients’ interest level and has value in any of the following life domains: physical, mental, emotional, social, and/or spiritual. Ensures programming is therapeutic & goal reaching.
Assesses when it is time to change an activity based on attendance numbers and patient feedback.
May or (may not) complete activity assessments.
Escorts patients off grounds for community outings.
Documents patients’ response to treatment plan goals in the electronic record.
Observes and monitors activities of patients during leisure and program time.
Escorts patients to & from activities; maintains patient attendance for general activities and/or leisure times; tracks Level II’s while in the treatment mall and makes observations to complete treatment mall safety rounds.
Meets with patients to assist patients in completing satisfaction surveys if needed. Assists with oversight when volunteers offer programs that can include but is not limited to bingo and religious services/programs.
Communicates and/or attends meetings with Treatment Teams for cohesive patient care.
Primary work area is On-Unit with some work in the Treatment Mall.
This is an hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of 26 on the OCSEA Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 10:30a-7:00p, every other weekend. This position is located within our Heartland Behavioral Healthcare campus at 3000 Erie Street South, Massillon, OH 44646.
Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range schedule listed above, with an opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.
Why Work for the State of OhioAt the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Position Qualifications
Completion of associate degree in recreation; 6 mos. exp. in activity therapy or recreation.
OR
Completion of undergraduate core program in recreational area (e.g., physical education).
OR
24 mos. exp. as Activities Aide, 44210.
OR
The equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
*Applications of those who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated against the following criteria:
All eligible applications shall be reviewed considering the following criteria: qualifications, experience, education, and active disciplinary record.
Primary Job Skill: Activity Therapy
Technical Skills: Behavioral Health, Mental Health
Professional Skills: Adaptability, Coaching, Developing Others, Goal Setting, Time Management, Teamwork
Required Educational Transcripts
Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicants must submit an official transcript before receiving a formal employment offer. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) business days of the request will result in disqualification from further consideration. Transcripts printed from the institution’s website will not be accepted. DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.
Supplemental InformationApplication Procedures
To be considered for this position, you must apply online through this posting website (careers.ohio.gov). We no longer accept paper applications. When completing your online Ohio Civil Service Application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined on this job posting. We will not give credit for your qualifications, experience, education, and training in the job selection process if there is no evidence provided on your application. In addition, “see resume” is not a substitution for completing supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be fully supported by the work experience/education sections of your application.
Background Check Notice
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Rule 5122-7-21, “Background check on applicants,” outlines disqualifying offenses that will preclude an applicant from being employed by the Department of Behavioral Health.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO/ADA Administrator at andrew.seifert@dbh.ohio.gov or 614-466-8884.
All final applicants tentatively selected for this class will be required to submit to urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to appointments. An applicant with a positive test shall not be offered employment.
ADA StatementOhio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free WorkplaceThe State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
