What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Activities Therapist 1 - Treatment Mall position at Ohio Department of Behavioral Health?
What You’ll Do At DBH
Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range schedule listed above, with an opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.
Position Qualifications
Completion of associate degree in recreation; 6 mos. exp. in activity therapy or recreation.
Primary Job Skill: Activity Therapy
Technical Skills: Behavioral Health, Mental Health
Professional Skills: Adaptability, Coaching, Developing Others, Goal Setting, Time Management, Teamwork
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 - Heartland Behavioral Healthcare
Agency Contact Name and Information
Megan Trump, megan.trump@dbh.ohio.gov
Unposting Date
May 5, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
Primary Location
United States of America-OHIO-Stark County-Massillon
Compensation
$21.19
Schedule
Full-time
Classified Indicator
Classified
Primary Job Skill
Human Resources
Professional Skills
Adaptability, Coaching, Developing Others, Goal Setting, Teamwork, Time Management
Agency Overview
Treatment Mall GAT1
General Activities Therapist 1
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
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.
- Plans, organizes, conducts & ensures implementation of Activity Therapy programs/services that meet the patients’ interest level and has value in any of the following life domains: physical, mental, emotional, social, and/or spiritual. Ensures programming is therapeutic & goal reaching.
- Assesses when it is time to change an activity based on attendance numbers and patient feedback.
- May or (may not) complete activity assessments.
- Escorts patients off grounds for community outings.
- Documents patients’ response to treatment plan goals in the electronic record.
- Observes and monitors activities of patients during leisure and program time.
- Escorts patients to & from activities; maintains patient attendance for general activities and/or leisure times; tracks Level II’s while in the treatment mall and makes observations to complete treatment mall safety rounds.
- Meets with patients to assist patients in completing satisfaction surveys if needed. Assists with oversight when volunteers offer programs that can include but is not limited to bingo and religious services/programs.
- Communicates and/or attends meetings with Treatment Teams for cohesive patient care.
- Primary work area is the Treatment Mall with some work on units.
Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range schedule listed above, with an opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.
Position Qualifications
Completion of associate degree in recreation; 6 mos. exp. in activity therapy or recreation.
- Or completion of undergraduate core program in recreational area (e.g., physical education).
- Or 24 mos. exp. as Activities Aide, 44210.
- Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
- Applications of those who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated against the following criteria:
Primary Job Skill: Activity Therapy
Technical Skills: Behavioral Health, Mental Health
Professional Skills: Adaptability, Coaching, Developing Others, Goal Setting, Time Management, Teamwork
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 - Heartland Behavioral Healthcare
Agency Contact Name and Information
Megan Trump, megan.trump@dbh.ohio.gov
Unposting Date
May 5, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
Primary Location
United States of America-OHIO-Stark County-Massillon
Compensation
$21.19
Schedule
Full-time
Classified Indicator
Classified
Primary Job Skill
Human Resources
Professional Skills
Adaptability, Coaching, Developing Others, Goal Setting, Teamwork, Time Management
Agency Overview
Treatment Mall GAT1
General Activities Therapist 1
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
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.
Salary : $21