Activities Coordinator-Oregon State Hospital-Salem

Oregon Department of Human Services; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 54,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Health Authority’s Oregon State Hospital in Salem seeks an Activities Coordinator to provide patients with healthy leisure opportunities during treatment and to lead recreation activities and groups. The role requires coordinating staff and programming, and assisting clinical staff in therapeutic activities on-site in a fast-paced hospital setting.

The position emphasizes wellness, recovery values, and creating varied recreation opportunities for patient groups, with a Wednesday–Saturday,

Qualifications

• Three years of experience working with mentally, emotionally, behaviorally, or physically impaired clients.
• A Bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social science may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Experience creating and leading recreational activities for patient groups in an institutional setting.
• Experience managing multiple schedules in a fast paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide patients access to healthy leisure opportunities during treatment stays.
• Lead recreation activities and assist with treatment groups (up to 32 hours).
• Coordinate staff resources and implement recreation activities and programming.
• Assist clinical staff in groups and therapeutic activities.

Skills

Mental health

Group facilitation

Recreation programming

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social science

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/22/2026 Application Deadline: 10/01/2026 Agency: Oregon Health Authority Salary Range: $4,519 - $5,714 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Activities Coordinator-Oregon State Hospital-Salem

Job Description

If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all. The Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon is searching for 1 Activity Coordinator to join our team. This position is within the Treatment Services Department at Oregon State hospital (Anchors Mall) which provides evaluation and treatment to persons with mental illness. The shift for this position is Wednesday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All work is performed onsite in a fast-paced office environment. Oregon State Hospital, a Joint Commission and Center for Medicaid Services (CMS) certified public psychiatric hospital, provides psychiatric hospital services and patient treatment services to approximately 700 persons committed by the Oregon courts as part of the state mental health system. This work is performed by almost 3,000 employess in a 24/7, locked facility environment.

What you will do!

• The primary purpose of the Activity Coordinator position is to provide patients at the Oregon State Hospital access to healthy leisure opportunities during their treatment stay that can teach the benefits of wellness and physical activity as well as the use of recreation and leisure activity as a contributor to emotional and physical well-being.
• Activity Coordination / Patient Care Plan, facilitate and lead recreation of up to 32 hours activities and programming and assist with treatment groups.
• Coordinate staff resources, structure, and implement recreation activities and programming.
• Assist clinical staff in groups and therapeutic activities.
• Maintain, track, and communicate an up-to-date work/events schedule.
• Understand and apply recovery values and processes in recreation activities and programming for hospital patients.
• Evaluate, create, develop and vary new recreation opportunities for assigned patient groups.
• Evaluate recreation activities and programming for efficacy, feasibility and patient satisfaction.
• Communication and Documentation Document participation in activities, events, groups and 1:1 activity according to OSH standards.
• Report behaviors, participation levels and needs of individual patients to Treatment Mall Manager.
• Notify staff and residents of programs, activities, and events by posting schedules and notices.
• Maintain logs of facility use, programs and activities.

Professional Development and Department Standards

• Attend all assigned departmental and supervisory meetings unless excused by Treatment Mall Manager.
• Attend all mandatory training as required by OSH policies, Treatment Services department, and other trainings as assigned within one month of expiration.
• Identify personal training needs and participation in educational opportunities for continued career development.
• Meet with Treatment Mall Manager regularly.
• Report and coordinate work functions with Treatment Mall Manager.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Experience in advancing health equity, addressing systemic health inequities and collaborating with diverse communities most harmed by social injustice and health inequities.

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of experience working with mentally, emotionally, behaviorally, or physically impaired clients. A Bachelor’s degree in behavioral or social science (e.g. social work, human services, psychology, child development, gerontology, health, or health education) may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Desired Attributes

• Experience working with people experiencing acute emotional, behavioral, or mental distress.
• Experience working in an institutional setting, preferably a secure/locked facility.
• Experience creating and leading recreational activities for patient groups in an institutional setting.
• Experience managing multiple schedules in a fast paced environment that require last minute adjustments in order to meet patient demands.
• Prior experience in the creation of a positive work/team culture through the intentional use of communication, customer service, and inclusive practices that support a diverse population.

Reminders

Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. To protect your information and ensure correct processing, please follow the instructions for submitting your Veterans' Preference documentation.

About the Team & Benefits of Joining

• We also offer a competitive benefits package including: Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 10 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Additional Details

This announcement is for 1, full-time, permanent, SEIU Represented, Activities Coordinator position based in Salem, Oregon.

This is an on-campus position.

"Review Section 4: Working Conditions" in the position description (linked above) for more information.

Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check, drug screen, and a driving records check that meets