Activity Therapy Specialist 2

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 & facilitates a comprehensive program of recreational, art, or music therapy/adjunctive therapy (AT) for assigned unit.
• Conducts therapy sessions using defined therapy techniques & mediums.
• Conducts individual & group therapy sessions for evaluation & skills/performance development in areas.
• Completes documentation to Joint Commission and CMS standards.
• Functions as a primary member of assigned interdisciplinary treatment team; evaluates patients; formulates & implements Individual Treatment Plan.
  
  

This is an hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of 29 on the OCSEA Pay Range Schedule. This position is located within COBH, 2200 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 432232200 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223

What Is In It For You

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website!

Our Benefits Package Includes

• Health insurance upon hire Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans. State of Ohio pays 85% of medical coverage premium, low-cost deductibles (Single $400 per year, Family $800 per year)
• Free dental & vision and basic life insurance for union members during eligibility period. Click for more information
• Up to $1500 in wellness incentives annually for employee and $550 for spouse
• Guaranteed 11 paid holidays
• Paid Time Off – vacation, personal, and sick leave included
• Yearly Paid Time Off Cash Out option
• Childbirth/Adoption Leave
• Up to $5000 annually for educational assistance, professional development, and continuing education opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System: state of Ohio contributes 14%, visit website for more information OPERS
• Voluntary 457(b) retirement savings plan, visit Ohio Deferred Compensation for more information
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in music therapy from an accredited institution approved by American Music Therapy Association (i.e., AMTA); completion of 6 mos., 1040-hour music therapy internship at an approved AMTA cite & board certification (i.e., MT-BC) by certification board for music therapists (i.e., CBMT); 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy.

• Or 12 mos. exp. as Activity Therapy Specialist 1, 44213.
• Or bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation; completion of 1000 hour clinical practicum & certification by national council on therapeutic recreation certification; 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy.
• Or completion of undergraduate core program in recreation, physical education or specialty area (e.g., music, art, drama, dance); 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy.
• Or completion of associate degree in recreation or specialty area (e.g., music, art, drama, dance); 24 mos. exp. in activity therapy.
• Or equivalent of the minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.
  
  

Job Skills: Therapy/Therapeutical Services

• Applications of those who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated against the following criteria:
  
  

All eligible applications shall be reviewed considering the following criteria: qualifications, experience, education, active disciplinary record, and work record.

Additional Qualifications

Primary Job Skill: Mental Health

Technical Skills: Behavioral Health

Professional Skills: Cultural Awareness, Building Trust, Collaboration, Establishing Relationships, Decision Making, Adaptability, Teamwork, Strong Written and Verbal Communication

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 - Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare

Agency Contact Name and Information

Mary 614-641-4482

Unposting Date

Apr 30, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Work Location

Central Ohio Behavioral Health

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

24.16

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Classified Indicator

Classified

Union

OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Therapy/Therapeutical Services

Technical Skills

Arts, Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Advocacy

Professional Skills

Adaptability, Building Trust, Collaboration, Creativity, Organizing and Planning

Agency Overview

Activity Therapy Specialist 2

Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare

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.