Activity Therapist I (Forensics)

About the Department

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Activity Therapist I, who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, G. Werber Bryan/Forensics, 7901 Farrow Road, Columbia SC 29203.

As the Activity Therapist I, under general supervision of the Activity Therapy Director and Direct supervision of the Activity Therapy Supervisor, you will serve as the Secondary Activity Therapist providing a comprehensive Recreational Therapy Program for mentally ill patients. You will utilize knowledge in behavioral health for treatment of adult, dually diagnosed psychiatric and behavioral health patients.

Responsibilities for the Activity Therapist I include:
-Develop and coordinate goal-oriented groups and leisure activities for adult patients based on individual needs and recommendations from treatment team. Assist AT II with researching materials for groups and activity ideas. (A.T. I will conduct a minimal of 18.5 active treatment hours per week).
-Complete individual Activity Therapy Service Assessment on each assigned patient; provide weekly progress notes which indicate patient attendance, patient behavior, emotional state, and changes in mental status. Provide assessment and documentation coverage for adult patients in times of staffing shortage. Complete written and electronic medical records documentation related to treatment goals on assigned patients. (Minimal caseload 8-10 patients).
-Comply with Performance Improvement and Infection Control measures. Be knowledgeable of directives, policies and procedures that meet OMH, BPH for accrediting standards and regulations.
-Provide pertinent feedback and input to Treatment Team regarding patients' progress, involvement, and schedules. Attend and participate in Treatment Team meetings. Recommend appropriate patient groups. Submit information for the Master Treatment Plan as it relates to assigned patients and groups, providing timely, accurate documentation as required. Record statistical data on a daily basis and submit monthly statistical report to Activity Therapy Supervisor.
-Assist with planning, coordinating, implementing, evaluating evening, weekend, holiday leisure activities and special/seasonal events. Assist with educating interns/students, volunteers. (A minimal 4 leisure activities/events monthly; 4 special events yearly).
-Attend Activity Therapy meetings to provide and obtain information on patients. Attend in-service training and workshops to keep therapy skills current. Provide in-service to staff regarding specialized areas of knowledge as requested. Maintain and demonstrate competency in BEST, CPR, Infection Control, Safety and Risk Management, Patient Rights, MIS, Corporate Compliance and Cultural Competence, completes Pathlore modules.
-Conduct safety checks and maintains facilities equipment and supplies. Observe and comply with rules, regulations and policies.
-Meets with Activity Therapy Supervisor Monthly.

Position Duties

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation with emphasis in Therapeutics, Art, Physical & Leisure Education, Exercise Science, Health, Music, Health Science, Sports Management, Human Performance, Fine Arts. 
• Knowledge of behavior/level of functioning of adult patients. 
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with adult/geriatric psychiatric patients, other departments and professionals.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 fifty pounds, push a wheelchair, stand, walk for long period of time, climb, maneuver patients in wheelchairs, walkers; able to work outdoors, drive at night, work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays; work inclement weather (all employees are considered essential staff). Ability to push, pull, bend, and stoop.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
• Certification with the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation or eligibility for certification 

Other Qualifications

Post hire, employees must:

• Have knowledge and skills of principles, practices, objectives of Therapeutic Recreation in group settings.
• Have knowledge of state, federal regulations, current guidelines, policies, procedures, policies related to TR and patients in a psychiatric hospital.
• Have ability to work cooperatively and effectively with adult/geriatric psychiatric patients, other departments, and professionals.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application.  Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.  Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.  A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: 

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

60006394 -Victoria Jackson 05/22/2026

Position #	Backfilling	Vacancy Date	Date Approved for Posting	Full Approval Process Required to "repost" after the following date
60017238	Ethel Edmonds	1/23/26	5/22/2026	12/22/2026
60006383	Jason Rolland	5/20/26	5/22/2026	12/22/2026
60016054	Myah Smith	10/17/25	5/22/2026	12/22/2026
60024548	Shatora Anderson	10/27/25	5/22/2026	12/22/2026
60030316	Isaac Mallett III	4/19/24	5/22/2026	12/22/2026

Position #	Backfilling	Vacancy Date	Date Approved for Posting	Full Approval Process Required to "repost" after the following date
60006394	Victoria Jackson	5/22/2026	6/26/2026	1/26/2027
60026978	Takayla Keyes	5/25/2026	6/26/2026	1/26/227

Benefits

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of South CarolinaAgency Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Address 400 Otarre Parkway

Cayce, South Carolina, 29033 PhoneOIDD - (803)898-9600
OMH - (803) 898-8600