Activity Therapy Specialist 2

State of Ohio; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 27,458 - 39,107; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

Paid time off including 11 holidays

Job summary

A state government agency in Toledo, Ohio, is seeking an Activity Therapy Specialist 2 to deliver recreational and art therapy programs. This role involves planning activities, conducting therapy sessions, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team. Candidates should have significant experience in activity therapy or a related educational background. This is a full-time position with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits aimed at enhancing the well-being of individuals facing mental health challenges.

Qualifications

• 42 months experience in activity therapy or providing work direction.
• Completion of a relevant associate degree with 24 months experience.
• Completion of undergraduate core program with 18 months experience.
• 12 months experience as Activity Therapy Specialist 1.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate recreational and art therapy programs.
• Conduct therapy sessions using defined techniques.
• Evaluate patients and implement treatment plans.
• Complete documentation to Joint Commission standards.

Skills

Therapy/Therapeutical Services

Building Trust

Collaboration

Creativity

Continuous Improvement

Education

Associate degree in recreation or specialty area

Completion of undergraduate core program in recreation

Tools

Arts

Behavioral Health

Mental Health

Job description

Job Description - Activity Therapy Specialist 2 (250009FE)

Activity Therapy Specialist 2 ( 250009FE )

Organization

Agency Contact Name and Information : Donita Alcodray 419-381-1881

Unposting Date

Jan 3, 2026, 4:59:00 AM

Work Location

Northwest Ohio Psych Hosp 930 South Detroit Avenue Toledo 43614-2701

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Lucas County-Toledo

Compensation : $24.16

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours : 8am - 4:30 pm

Union : OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Therapy/Therapeutical Services

Technical Skills : Arts, Behavioral Health, Mental Health

Professional Skills : Building Trust, Collaboration, Creativity, Continuous Improvement

Agency Overview

Activity Therapy Specialist 2

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, Ohio.

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.

Job Description

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 plans

This is an hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of #29 on the OCSEAPay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are 8:00 am- 4:30 pm. This position is located within our Northwest Behavioral Healthcare Campus at 930 South Detroit Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43614.

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 Ohio

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.

Qualifications

All eligible applications shall be reviewed considering the following criteria: qualifications, experience, education, and active disciplinary record.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 42 mos. exp. in activity therapy or recreation or 42 mos. exp. providing work direction to incarcerated persons & training &/or development.
• -Or completion of associate degree in recreation or specialty area (e.g., music, art, drama, dance); 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy.
• -Or completion of undergraduate core program in recreation or specialty area (e.g., music, art, drama); 18 mos. exp. in activity therapy.
• -Or 12 mos. exp. as Activity Therapy Specialist 1, 44213.
• -Or equivalent of the Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment Noted Above.

Job Skills: Therapy/Therapeutical Services

Technical Skills: Arts, Behavioral Health, Mental Health

Professional Skills: Building Trust, Collaboration, Creativity, Continuous Improvement

Supplemental Information

Application 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. 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.

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 reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO/ADA Administrator at [e-mail] or 614-466-8884.

ADA Statement

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.

Drug-Free Workplace

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.