Activity Therapist 3 / Volunteer Services Coordinator

Our Agency

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia's public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah (GRHS) is a state-funded multi-service facility operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The hospital provides quality care to mentally ill adults and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities from its 34-county catchment area in Southeast Georgia. GRHS opened in December of 1970 with a design to decentralize mental health services in the state and treat people nearer to their homes and families. The hospital provides evaluation and treatment to clients needing care. The hospital's admitting office is a psychiatric emergency receiving facility open 24 hours a day.

GRHS is seeking candidates for the position of Activity Therapist 3 / Volunteer Services Coordinator, working 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. full-time, 40 hours a week.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. 

Job Description

Under minimal supervision, plans, directs or coordinates therapeutic recreation programs and activities to include sports, gardening, dramatics, music, social activities, and arts and crafts.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

         Performs job responsibilities with minimal supervision

         Serves as job expert or organization resource in assigned areas

         May conduct therapeutic groups to improve individuals' mental and physical well-being

         Will develop and maintain relationships with community organizations to obtain potential volunteer resources

         Will aid in educating the public about mental health, developmental disabilities, Georgia Regional Hospital and opportunities for volunteers at the hospital.

         Will identify hospital needs, services and projects that are appropriate for volunteers and community involvement; Guide interested community organizations/individuals in the selection of worthwhile hospital projects.

         Will plan, organize, and in collaboration with other departmental staff, will implement all monthly Birthday Socials, Transition Week, and Mayor's Motorcade activities

         Will accept and process all donations provided to the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Department to include clothing, money, goods, etc.

         Will continue to implement the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Internship program at GRHS; will interview, select, and provide oversight or supervision for assigned interns while at GRHS

         Records and maintains volunteer and internship data in relation to hours volunteered and worked

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.  

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in a Mental Health or Recreation or Related Therapeutic field AND at least Three years of experience working in a Mental Health setting. CTRS a plus but not required.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia. 

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

         Drug Screening

         TB Evaluation

         Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.