Activity Therapy Specialist 2

State of Ohio•Columbus, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Please note: Effective October 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has transitioned to its new name—the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health . This change reflects our continued commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs for Ohioans. All positions and services now fall under the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health as we move forward in serving individuals, families, and communities across the state. What you’ll do at DBH : Plans, organizes & facilitates a comprehensive program of recreational, art, or music therapy/adjunctive therapy (AT) for assigned unit. Conducts therapy sessions using defined therapy techniques & mediums. Conducts individual & group therapy sessions for evaluation & skills/performance development in areas. Completes documentation to Joint Commission and CMS standards. Functions as a primary member of assigned interdisciplinary treatment team; evaluates patients; formulates & implements Individual Treatment Plan. This is an hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union) , with a pay range of 29 on the OCSEA Pay Range Schedule . This position is located within COBH, 2200 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43223 2200 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223 What is in it for you : At 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: Health insurance upon hire Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans. State of Ohio pays 85% of medical coverage premium, low-cost deductibles (Single $400 per year, Family $800 per year) Free dental & vision and basic life insurance for union members during eligibility period . Click for more information Up to $1500 in wellness incentives annually for employee and $550 for spouse Guaranteed 11 paid holidays Paid Time Off – vacation, personal, and sick leave included Yearly Paid Time Off Cash Out option Childbirth/Adoption Leave Up to $5000 annually for educational assistance, professional development, and continuing education opportunities Public Service Loan Forgiveness program Ohio Public Employees Retirement System\: state of Ohio contributes 14%, visit website for more information OPERS Voluntary 457(b) retirement savings plan, visit Ohio Deferred Compensation for more information The 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. At 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: Medical Coverage Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more) Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation ) 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. Ohio 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. Activity Therapy Specialist 2 Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare 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: Service-Oriented (Person Centered, Solution Oriented, Customer Service Focused) Collaborative (Approachable, Reasonable, Transparent) Value Driven Innovative (Yes Before No) Strong Sense of Urgency 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. Application Procedures T o 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. You may check the status of your application by signing into your profile on this website (careers.ohio.gov). We will communicate with you through the email you provided in your profile and job application. Be sure to check your email regularly. 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. If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO Program Administrator at [email protected] 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. Alongside the base schedule, the goal will be to provide additional programming coverage for rotating weekends and one weeknight. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in music therapy from an accredited institution approved by American Music Therapy Association (i.e., AMTA); completion of 6 mos., 1040-hour music therapy internship at an approved AMTA cite & board certification (i.e., MT-BC) by certification board for music therapists (i.e., CBMT); 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy. -Or 12 mos. exp. as Activity Therapy Specialist 1, 44213. -Or bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation; completion of 1000 hour clinical practicum & certification by national council on therapeutic recreation certification; 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy. -Or completion of undergraduate core program in recreation, physical education or specialty area (e.g., music, art, drama, dance); 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy. -Or completion of associate degree in recreation or specialty area (e.g., music, art, drama, dance); 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy. -Or equivalent of the minimum class qualifications for employment noted above. Job Skills: Therapy/Therapeutical Services 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, active disciplinary record, and work record. Additional Qualifications: Primary Job Skill : Mental Health Technical Skills: Behavioral Health Professional Skills\: Cultural Awareness, Building Trust, Collaboration, Establishing Relationships, Decision Making, Adaptability, Teamwork, Strong Written and Verbal Communication 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in music therapy from an accredited institution approved by American Music Therapy Association (i.e., AMTA); completion of 6 mos., 1040-hour music therapy internship at an approved AMTA cite & board certification (i.e., MT-BC) by certification board for music therapists (i.e., CBMT); 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy.
Or 12 mos. exp. as Activity Therapy Specialist 1, 44213.
Or bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation; completion of 1000 hour clinical practicum & certification by national council on therapeutic recreation certification; 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy.
Or completion of undergraduate core program in recreation, physical education or specialty area (e.g., music, art, drama, dance); 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy.
Or completion of associate degree in recreation or specialty area (e.g., music, art, drama, dance); 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy.
Or equivalent of the minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.
Therapy/Therapeutical Services
Mental Health
Behavioral Health
Cultural Awareness
Building Trust
Collaboration
Establishing Relationships
Decision Making
Adaptability
Teamwork
Strong Written and Verbal Communication

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes & facilitates a comprehensive program of recreational, art, or music therapy/adjunctive therapy (AT) for assigned unit.
Conducts therapy sessions using defined therapy techniques & mediums.
Conducts individual & group therapy sessions for evaluation & skills/performance development in areas.
Completes documentation to Joint Commission and CMS standards.
Functions as a primary member of assigned interdisciplinary treatment team; evaluates patients; formulates & implements Individual Treatment Plan.

Benefits

Health insurance upon hire
Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans.
State of Ohio pays 85% of medical coverage premium, low-cost deductibles (Single $400 per year, Family $800 per year)
Free dental & vision and basic life insurance for union members during eligibility period
Up to $1500 in wellness incentives annually for employee and $550 for spouse
Guaranteed 11 paid holidays
Paid Time Off – vacation, personal, and sick leave included
Yearly Paid Time Off Cash Out option
Childbirth/Adoption Leave
Up to $5000 annually for educational assistance, professional development, and continuing education opportunities
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System\: state of Ohio contributes 14%, visit website for more information
OPERS Voluntary 457(b) retirement savings plan, visit Ohio Deferred Compensation for more information
Medical Coverage
Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )