Health Care Technician I – Activity Program Assistant – Cherry Hospital

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 31,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a Health Care Technician I (S) at Cherry Hospital to assist in planning and implementing quality structured leisure opportunities for patients. Under supervision, you will help ensure meaningful activities are provided across units, documenting participation and supporting treatment groups.

Eligible candidates may qualify for a $2,000 sign-on bonus contingent on budget approval; minimum education is high school diploma or GED with

Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and practices of leisure participation.
• Competency in providing age-appropriate services in a psychiatric setting.
• Verbal and written communication skills and ability to follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing structured leisure activities for patients.
• Document attendance and participation in leisure activities; support unit groups as assigned.

Skills

Leisure participation principles

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Cherry Hospital

Job Classification Title

Health Care Technician I (S)

Position Number

60090757

Grade

MH01

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

This position will assist in the planning and implementation of quality structured leisure opportunities for Cherry Hospital patients. Under the supervision of the Activities Program Coordinator (APC), this position helps ensure that meaningful and appropriate activities are planned and provided to patients within his/her assigned Unit throughout the day, evening, weekends, and holidays. The Activities Program Assistant (APA) supports the Activities Program Coordinator in planning and implementation of campus wide patient activities and ensures patients are provided the opportunity to participate. This position will document attendance and participation in leisure activities and will assist with unit active treatment groups as qualified and assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Range: $31,200-46,348

*A Sign-on bonus of $2,000 may be offered to the successful applicant(s) of this posting, contingent on the 2025-2026 Budget Approval.

Candidates must now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of leisure participation.
• Competency in providing appropriate services which are both age and population specific for patients in a psychiatric setting.
• Verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to follow instructions.

This Position Is Designated As Mandatory And Must Report Or Stay Over During Adverse Weather Events.

Eligibility for Sign-on Bonus

To qualify for the Sign-on Bonus, a newly hired permanent full-time or permanent part-time employee must work 30 to 40 hours per week to be eligible. Those who are eligible and working less than 40 hours a week will receive a prorated rate.

An employee is not eligible for a sign-on bonus if:

• The employee has held a position in the North Carolina State government, including the judicial system, or the University of North Carolina system, within the last 12 months (the employee shall remain ineligible for 12 months from the separation date)
• The employee has previously received a sign-on bonus from any State agency
• DHHS has paid any contract placement or recruitment fees.

All Sign-on Bonuses are contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. Additional information regarding the Sign-on Policy can be found here.

About the Facility

Cherry Hospital is a State-of-the-Art Psychiatric hospital located in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Cherry Hospital serves the 38 most eastern counties of North Carolina with a mission to serve those with the greatest need and the fewest resources. We strive to create a healing environment in which every team member has opportunity to positively impact the lives of those around them and the individuals we serve. Learn more about our facility at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/state-operated-healthcare-facilities/facilities/state-psychiatric-hospitals. In addition to a very competitive salary, this opportunity offers an excellent benefits package, loan repayment opportunities, employment stability and rewarding professional opportunities.

Supplemental Contact Information

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

Positions in the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities shall be subject to pre- employment drug testing and criminal record background checks. Also, the use of tobacco products of any kind including vapor products are prohibited from our campuses. All employees are required to adhere to the facility's Vaccination Policy.

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
• Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Applicants will be communicated via email only for updates on the status of their application. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact HR at [phone].

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

High school or General Educational Development diploma; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Condition for Continued Employment As required, listing as a Nurse Aide I by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation. As applicable, listing as a Nurse Aide II by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. As applicable, North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter

Nya Ashantiana Watson