General Activities Therapist 2 (Units) - Heartland Behavioral Healthcare

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health; Massillon (OH); On-site; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is seeking an Activity Therapist at Heartland Behavioral Healthcare in Massillon, OH. You will plan and lead activity therapy programs, assess clients, and work with the Treatment Team to set individualized goals aimed at recovery.

Responsibilities include maintaining records to ensure accreditation compliance, transporting clients on Level IV passes, and coordinating recreation resources to support therapeutic outcomes.

Qualifications

• Official transcripts required for all post-secondary education listed on the application.
• Transcripts must be official and not printed from the institution's website.
• DBH reserves the right to evaluate the validity of degrees.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, conduct, and ensure implementation of Activity Therapy programs and related activities.
• Ensure programming is therapeutic and goal-reaching.
• Complete activity therapy assessments.
• Work with the Treatment Team to set individualized goals and report patient progress.
• Prepare and maintain required records and clinical documentation for accreditation and compliance.
• Transport and escort clients on Level IV passes for treatment interventions.
• Process requisitions for recreation supplies and equipment.
• Attend meetings and complete required training.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Coaching

Collaboration

Flexibility

Leading Others

Motivating Others

Observation

Organizing & Planning

Education

Associate degree in recreation

12 months activity therapy or recreation

Undergraduate core program in recreation

6 months exp as General Activities Therapist 1

Equivalent minimum qualifications

Job description

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, conducts, & ensures implementation of Activity Therapy programs/services such as leisure awareness, community resources, arts & crafts, dance, movies, bingo, games, tournaments, picnics, and etc.
• Ensures programming is therapeutic & goal reaching.
• Completes activity therapy assessments.
• Works with unit Treatment Team to assist in formulating individualized goals related to activity therapy and communicates patient progress to the Team.
• Prepares, completes & maintains all required records; completes clinical documentation to assure compliance with accrediting/certifying agencies (Medicare/Medicaid & Joint Commission).
• Transports & escorts clients to the community on Level IV pass in relation to individualized treatment interventions.
• Recommends and completes requisition forms to purchase recreation supplies & equipment.
• Performs various work-related miscellaneous tasks; some setting up of equipment or chairs/tables as needed for various functions; participates & attends meetings, completes required training.

This is an hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of 27 on the OCSEA Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are 10:30am - 7:00pm, every other weekend. This position is located within our Heartland Behavioral Healthcare 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.

Position Qualifications

• 30 mos. exp. with coaching, personal training, &/or fitness instruction or 30 mos. exp. providing work direction to incarcerated persons & training &/or development.
• OR
• The completion of associate degree in recreation; 12 mos. exp. in activity therapy or recreation.
• OR
• The completion of undergraduate core program in recreation; 6 mos. exp. in activity therapy or recreation.
• OR
• 6 mos. exp. as General Activities Therapist 1, 44211.
• OR
• The equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Primary Job Skill

Mental Health, Behavioral Health

Technical Skills

Mental Health, Therapy/Therapeutical Services

Professional Skills

Attention to Detail, Coaching, Collaboration, Flexibility, Leading Others, Motivating Others, Observation, Organizing and Planning

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.

Organization

Behavioral Health - Heartland Behavioral Healthcare

Agency Contact Name and Information

Megan Trump, [e-mail]

Unposting Date

Ongoing

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Stark County-Massillon

Compensation

$22.59

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Classified

Professional Skills

Attention to Detail, Coaching, Collaboration, Flexibility, Leading Others, Motivating Others, Organizing and Planning, Observation

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 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.