About this role
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 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%25 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%25, 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:
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.
Other facts
About Ohio Department of Administrative Services
Employment with the State of Ohio is more than ‘just a job’ – it is a privilege to serve our families, friends and neighbors who rely on us throughout our great state. We are a team of dedicated public servants committed to high performance, innovative thinking, and delivering excellent and efficient services. Our goal is to recruit and retain the best talent for our positions, because when we have the best talent, we get the best results for our community. We are #TeamOhio.
What you'll do
- The Activity Therapy Specialist 2 plans, organizes, and facilitates therapy programs for assigned units, conducting both individual and group therapy sessions. They also complete documentation and function as a primary member of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
Ready to join Ohio Department of Administrative Services?
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