Program Specialist I-Job Training Program-Utah State Hospital

State of Utah; Provo (UT); On-site; USD 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Pension/URs benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Utah State Hospital is seeking an Activities Technician to plan and deliver therapeutic leisure gardening programs for residents. The role involves coordinating with care staff, supervising pool operations, and supporting greenhouse activities to enhance rehabilitation and daily living skills.

You will cross-train across departments, monitor patient progress, and help foster independence and employment readiness as part of a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Experienced in organizing and coordinating activities for groups.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to safety and detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork with clinical or care staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and implement leisure gardening activities for residents.
• Lead patients through activities with direct care staff.
• Oversee recreational pool operations and pool activities.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Patient interaction

Tools

AFO Certification

Lifeguard Certification

Master Gardener

Job description

The Utah State Hospital is seeking a Program Specialist I. The Program Specialist I will be supervised by the Job Training Program Administrator at the Utah State Hospital.

FT / PT Status – Full-Time Salary – $20.36 - $34.98 Hourly Wage Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site Application Deadline – 9/27/2026*

• This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-day Responsibilities Of This Position

• Plan, prepare, and implement leisure gardening activities for the residents of the Utah State Hospital.
• Work directly with patients, staff, and program specialists, as you lead patients through leisure gardening activities with direct care staff.
• Oversee recreational therapy pool operations and activities therein.
• Assist and supervise patients jobs and run groups within the pool and greenhouse.
• Develop new ideas and contribute to hospital recreational programs, including pool operations and maintenance, and greenhouse support.
• Monitor and observe patients, record and report patient conditions, progress, behaviors, activities, etc.
• Position will cross-train throughout the hospital to meet the needs of the department.
• Encourage patients to develop good work habits and self-confidence to reenter the community and workforce.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications:

• Receive an Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification within 4 months of employment, and able to complete routine pool checks, clean, and operate the pool. To learn more about this certification, visit here.
• Lifeguard certified or willing to receive lifeguard certification.
• Experience in horticulture, certified master gardner, and greenhouse maintenance.
• Experience working with patients in an inpatient psychiatric care facility.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

About The Role

As an Activities Technician, you will oversee the following:

• therapeutic recreational pool operations.
• greenhouse education and maintenance.
• assisting patient job groups
• assisting patient job training program

Location – 1300 East Center Street

Provo, Utah, 84606

United States

Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Drug Test Required – Yes

Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to apply your specialized skills in a mission-driven environment. You will be a valued member of a team dedicated to supporting one of Utah's most important healthcare institutions. In addition to a competitive salary, the State of Utah provides a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family.

Health Insurance: Multiple medical plan options, including a High-Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Opt-out cash benefit available.

Dental & Vision: Multiple dental and vision plan options available.

Paid Leave: Accrue 4 hours of annual leave and 4 hours of sick leave per pay period, with accrual rates increasing with state longevity. 12 paid holidays per year.

Retirement: A generous 10% employer contribution to your Utah Retirement Systems (URS) account (Tier II). Options include a Pension/401(k) Hybrid Plan or a Defined Contribution Plan.

To review the full benefits summary and access a Total Compensation Calculator, please visit the main state benefits page here.

Additional Benefits

• Access to a UTA Bus Pass.
• Cafeteria on site with meals, snacks and drinks available for purchase.
• Access to the Utah State Hospital Disc Golf Course.
• Access to comfort rooms while on campus, as well as other mental wellness benefits.

The Agency

The Utah State Hospital provides a safe and healing environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect. It is our purpose to assist patients to reach their potential, through individualized treatment, with a high value being placed on meeting the needs of each patient in a humanistic, caring and professional manner.

For more detailed information about the Utah State Hospital, our treatment programs and philosophy, we invite you to browse our website.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].

Supplemental Information

• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.
• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
• Division of Human Resource Management rules and Department of Health and Human Services policies regarding promotions and transfers apply to current employees.
• The Utah State Hospital is a smoke free environment. Tobacco or E-cigarette use is NOT allowed on campus.
• Utah State Hospital employees must pass both pre-employment and routine background checks.
• Only applicants that meet minimum qualifications will be contacted.