Therapeutic Program Worker - Full Time - (PN: 20041487)

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health; Athens (OH); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Longevity increases

Weekends off per union

Job summary

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health seeks a Therapeutic Program Worker to support adults in an inpatient hospital setting at Appalachia Behav - Athens, OH. You will help clients build independent living and social skills, implement care plans, and maintain safety and cleanliness of the facility.

Responsibilities include documenting observations, participating in team meetings, and transporting clients as needed.

Qualifications

• Formal education in arithmetic and basic English literacy required.
• Driver's license required for vehicle transport duties.
• Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Responsibilities

• Support adults in an inpatient hospital setting to develop independent living and social skills.
• Implement personal and behavior plans; assist with hygiene, medication management, budgeting, food prep and social interactions.
• De-escalate crises and maintain a safe, clean, and respectful environment.
• Collaborate with team to develop individualized service plans and document progress.

Skills

Direct Support/Direct Care

Mental Health

Behavioral Health

Communications

Customer Service

Therapy/Therapeutical Services

Critical Thinking

Building Trust

Listening

Emotional Intelligence

Confidentiality

Observation

Adaptability

Education

Math and English literacy

Job description

Behavioral Health - Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare

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

This position focuses on supporting adults in a inpatient hospital setting to develop essential independent living and social skills. The staff member will work directly with assigned consumers, implementing personal and behavior plans and helping with skills such as hygiene, medication management, food preparation, budgeting, and social interactions. The role involves maintaining a safe and supportive environment, de-escalating crises, modeling professional behavior, and transporting consumers to appointments as necessary. Staff will work closely with team members to develop individualized service plans, document progress, and maintain the facility’s cleanliness, contributing to a structured and supportive community. Additional duties include:

• Collaborates with consumers and professionals to create and implement Individualized Service Plans and Behavior Plans, tailored to each consumer’s needs.
• Monitors and assesses consumer progress, recommending revisions to service plans and behavior plans as needed.
• Participates in program development and direction, adheres to guidelines set by the Program Director, and contribute to the residential support team’s service plan.
• Attends agency, program staff, and consumer meetings, as well as relevant committees, to facilitate program objectives and share insights on consumer needs.
• Completes accurate records, logs, and documentation related to consumer observations, behavioral changes, progress, and service interactions in a timely manner.
• Helps maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the residential facility on a daily basis.
• Attends required training sessions to improve skills and knowledge relevant to the role and follow agency policies on computer and software usage.
• Upholds a professional, friendly demeanor when interacting with visitors and the community to enhance public relations and customer satisfaction.
• Adheres to established safety practices, procedures, and agency policies to ensure a safe environment for consumers and staff.

Additional Information

• $23.28 per hour with the first increase in 120 days to $23.65 per hour
• Additional $.60 per hour shift differential for afternoon and evening shifts
• Annual increases each year with an additional longevity supplement after 5 years of service
• These positions receive a minimum of 17 weekends off per year per the OCSEA union contract.

Qualifications

Formal education in arithmetic that includes addition & subtraction & in reading, writing & speaking common English vocabulary.

For positions that require operation of motor vehicle to transport consumers to recreational, educational &/or occupational activities, a valid driver’s license is required.

OR

The equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Direct Support/Direct Care

Technical: Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Communications, Customer Service, Therapy/Therapeutical Services

Professional: Critical Thinking, Building Trust, Listening, Emotional Trust, Emotional Intelligence, Confidentiality, Observation, Adaptability

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 - Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare

Work Location: Appalachia Behav - Athens

Primary Location: United States of America-OHIO-Athens County-Athens

Schedule: Full-time

Work Hours: 10:45pm-6:45am

Classified Indicator: Classified

Technical Skills: Behavioral Health, Communications, Customer Service, Direct Support/Direct Care, Mental Health, Therapy/Therapeutical Services

Professional Skills: Adaptability, Building Trust, Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Listening, Confidentiality, Observation

Agency Overview

Therapeutic Program Worker

Full Time

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 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.