Therapeutic Program Worker

Who we are:

At the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), we strive to exemplifyThe Heart of Hopefor individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders.

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.

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, 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.

This is an hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of 7 on the OCSEA Pay Range Schedule, with a starting hourly rate of $23.28 This position will work on unit C1, hours 3:00pm-11:30pm. This position is located within our Heartland Behavioral Healthcarecampusat3000 Erie Street South, Massillon, OH 44646

You Also Need to Know:

• You must be able to complete a 4 week (business days Monday-Friday) full time orientation
• You may work weekends and holidays; may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpredictable patient behavior
• Training and development is required to remain in the classification after employment

Position 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.

Primary Job Skill: Therapeutic Aide
Technical Skills: Behavioral Health, Mental Health
Professional Skills:Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Listening, Motivating Others, Situational Awareness, Verbal Communication, Confidentiality, Observation

Shift Hours
C1 (mixed admissions unit), 3:00pm - 11:30pm, 5 shifts per week, every other weekend.

Application Procedures
To be considered for this position, you must apply online through this posting website (careers.ohio.gov). We no longer accept paper applications. When completing your online Ohio Civil Service Application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined on this job posting. We will not give credit for your qualifications, experience, education, and training in the job selection process if there is no evidence provided on your application.

Background Check Notice
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

Rule 5122-7-21, “Background check on applicants,” outlines disqualifying offenses that will preclude an applicant from being employed by the Department of Behavioral Health.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO/ADA Administrator at andrew.seifert@dbh.ohio.gov or 614-466-8884.