Manual Arts Instructor-Benchwork-Oregon State Hospital

Oregon Department of Human Services; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage

Paid time off

Retirement benefits (PERS)

Job summary

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) seeks a Manual Arts Instructor for the Benchwork program at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem. This full-time, onsite role focuses on teaching benchwork skills to patients in the forensics program, including assembling kits, heat packaging, and related tasks to build vocational readiness.

The position supports work readiness, address vocational needs, and provides on-the-job training in a secure, high-support environment.

Qualifications

• Six months experience in each of at least three of the following.
• Experience in applying landscaping theories, methods and practices.
• Experience applying work adjustments to training techniques.
• Experience applying instruction principles and procedures.
• Experience using tools and equipment common to assembly and benchwork.
• Experience directing individuals and groups in a work setting.
• Experience in verbal and written communication with diverse people.

Responsibilities

• Provide benchwork support to clients (patients) in the benchwork program.
• Assemble parts for consumer use and assist with heat packaging and kit building.
• Teach tasks related to benchwork skills to patients under supervision.
• Support the Vocational Services Department to address vocational needs and job readiness.

Skills

landscaping environment

work adjustments

instruction principles

assembly benchwork tools

directing individuals and groups

communication

Tools

benchwork tools

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/16/2026 Application Deadline: 10/06/2026 Agency: Oregon Health Authority Salary Range: $4,124 - $5,193 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Manual Arts Instructor-Benchwork-Oregon State Hospital

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. Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! The Oregon State Hospital (Salem campus) is seeking a Manual Arts Instructor for our Benchwork area within our Vocational Services Program. This position provides support to vocational services, for patients in the forensics program to ensure a range of services are available to address vocational needs from work readiness, skills and pre-vocational activities to sheltered work opportunities, work hardening, job search and support activities leading to competitive employment. This position provides vocational training in landscaping duties for the Vocational and Educational Services Department. Do you have experience in assembly, packaging, or kit building for product use? Do you enjoy providing on-the-job training and want to help patient workers build vocational skills that will support their employment success as they transition back into the community? If so, this Manual Arts Instructor job may be for you! One of our skills building programs within the vocational department is specifically focused on teach skills within a benchwork environment, where patients will perform the building of kits for automotive, camping, and retail use; lift kits, packaging of tarps, auto kits, heat packaging of items, etc.

This is a full-time position, represented by a Union (SEIU); all work is performed onsite @ 2600 Center St. NE, Salem, Oregon. Monday – Friday, Day Shift, 7:00-3:30.

Persons served at the hospital include culturally diverse patients who experience severe mental health challenges, behavioral emergencies, and patients who can be a danger to themselves or others. Hospital staff are provided crisis de-escalation and safety training upon hire and annually thereafter.

What will you do as a Manual Arts Instructor in our Benchwork program? This position provides support to the Vocational Services Department, for patients in the forensics programs to ensure a range of services are available to address vocational needs. In this role, the Manual Arts Instructor will perform benchwork with clients (patients) that are assigned by an Occupational Therapist, teaching specific tasks related to benchwork skills building. Assembling parts for consumer use Heat packaging Kit building Packaging screw packs for auto kits For a full review of the position description, please click here Manual Arts Instructor Benchwork

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications must be reflected in your application for consideration. Six months experience in each of at least three of the following:

• applying the theories, methods, and practices, common in a landscaping environment.
• applying work adjustments to training techniques.
• applying instruction principles and procedures.
• using tools and equipment common to assembly and benchwork.
• directing individuals and groups in a work setting.
• communication (both verbal and written) with a diverse variety of people.

Desired Attributes: The following are desired attributes that we have identified as key to success for this role at OHA. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you have any of these, please let us know in your application.

• Experience in creating and maintaining a work environment that is respectful and accepting of diversity among team members in a work environment.
• Passion for (and experience in) helping people with severe mental health challenges.
• Experience creating an encouraging work environment.
• Experience creating organized, detail-oriented work instruction.
• Experience in verbal de-escalation when working with others.
• Experience working in a high security, locked facility environment.
• A highly developed level situational awareness in landscaping settings to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of patients, staff, and visitors.

Application Guidance Your candidate profile and application are your opportunity to showcase your skills and interest in this role. Submissions will be reviewed for clarity, consistency, and communication skills, and for alignment with the guidance provided in the below: Submission Requirements:

• Resume – Attach your current resume that clearly outlines your education and work experience relevant to this position.
• Supplemental Questions – Answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.
• Final Check! – Before submitting, confirm that all required materials are included, and your Workday Job History is current.
• The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.

How to Apply: External Candidates: Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage or click the “Apply” tab above to submit your application, following all submission requirements. Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login, following all submission requirements. After You Apply: Complete any pending tasks in Workday under “My Applications” prior to the application deadline. Check your email (including junk folder) and Workday inbox regularly for updates on your application. 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. Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline.

About the Team & Benefits of Joining We offer a workplace that balances productivity with fulfillment and promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication to patient stabilization, and work readiness. You will collaborate with a team of professionals throughout the vocational and educational services program to ensure work readiness for all clients (patients) in the program. If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. 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 8 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, Manual Arts Instructor position SR 17 based in Salem, Oregon. This is an on-site position. “Review Section 4: Working Conditions” in the position description (linked above) for more information. Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check and a driving records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information, see the Classification and Compensation page. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process. This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position. We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration. Contact Information Recruiter: Melissa Perez Email: [e-mail] Phone (text friendly): 503-949-3078 Accommodation Requests (ADA): OHA provides reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which may include alternative formats of materials or language support. If you need an accommodation to apply for this position or participate in the selection process, please contact the recruiter listed above. Helpful Links & Resources How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources | What You Need to Know to Get the Job The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class – including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation – and does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position. OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon. Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”