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Posted: February 19, 2026 (2 days ago)

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Activity Therapy Aide 6-E8

State of Michigan

Health and Human Services - Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital

Fresh

Location

Michigan, 48909

Salary

$22.13 - $28.43

per hour

Closes

February 27, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves assisting professional therapists in running recreational, social, physical, and vocational activities for patients in a psychiatric hospital, either one-on-one or in groups, to support their mental health and engagement.

The role also includes observing patient behaviors, communicating with the care team, and keeping records of activities.

It's a good fit for someone who enjoys helping others, has a compassionate nature, and is comfortable working in a healthcare setting with people who may have mental health challenges.

Key Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent education
  • For level 6: No prior experience required
  • For level 7: One year of experience as an Activities Therapy Aide 6 or equivalent
  • For level E8: Two years of experience as an Activities Therapy Aide, including one year at level 7 or equivalent
  • Ability to plan, implement, and lead therapeutic activities in individual or group settings
  • Strong communication skills to interact with patients, staff, and treatment teams
  • Proficiency in documenting patient observations and behaviors per hospital policies
  • Willingness to undergo random drug and alcohol testing as a test-designated position

Full Job Description

The MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self-sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. For more information, please visit our MDHHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan.

Under the guidance of a professional therapist, the Activity Therapy Aide (ATA) participates in the planning, implementation, and performance of therapeutic activities, both individually or in group settings, in the form of recreational, social, physical, vocational groups, special programs, and engagement activities on or off the unit.

The ATA communicates with unit staff, Rehab Services staff, and treatment team members regarding patient needs and behaviors.

The ATA documents observations according to department procedure and hospital policy and attends department and other mandatory meetings as assigned.

This is a test designated position subject to random drug and alcohol testing.


Click here to view the Position Description and Job Specification

To be considered for this position you must:
  • Apply for this position online via NEOGOV; click on "Apply" in the job posting for instructions on submitting your electronic application. Hard copy applications are not accepted.
  • Relevant experience and/or education referred to in the supplemental questions must be documented in the resume, transcript and/or application to allow for accurate screening.
  • Attach a resume identifying specific experience and dates of employment. Dates of employment should include month and year and hours per week.
  • Attach a cover letter.
  • If applicable, attach a copy of an official transcript(s). We accept scanned copies of official transcripts. We do not accept web-based, internet, or copies of unofficial transcripts.

    Official transcripts provide the name of the institution, confirmation that a degree was awarded and on what date, and the registrar's signature.

    Failure to complete any of the above items may result in your application not being considered. See instructions for attaching files here: Instructions

    Requirements

    Education
    Educational level typically acquired through completion of high school.
    Experience

    Activities Therapy Aide 6
    No specific type or amount is required.

    Activities Therapy Aide 7
    One year of experience equivalent to an Activities Therapy Aide 6.

    Activities Therapy Aide E8
    Two years of experience equivalent to an Activities Therapy Aide, including one year equivalent to an Activities Therapy Aide 7.

    Additional Information

    Your application for any position does not guarantee you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.

    This position is located at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital and the selected incumbent will be required to physically report to this office. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.

    As a Condition of Employment: this position requires successful completion of a background investigation and a criminal records check.


    The Department of Health & Human Services reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

    Some positions within this job may require possession of the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued by the Secretary of State as required by Public Act 346 of 1988 to operate a designated state vehicle.

    For information about this specific position, please email MDHHSVacancies@michigan.gov. Please reference the job posting number in subject line.

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    MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer
    Why Kalamazoo?

    Kalamazoo is unique, in that it combines a big city energy and small-town feel. The community combines energy and innovation with friendliness and an easy-going attitude.

    A vibrant Art Deco downtown sets the stage for quality dining, unique shops and galleries, and live entertainment, including wineries and microbreweries.

    In Kalamazoo, you're never far from lakes, outdoor recreation, festivals and world-class attractions.

  • Kalamazoo is home of Western Michigan University which offers a variety of under-graduate and graduate programs.
  • Kalamazoo is also home to the nationally recognized CTAC (Child Trauma Assessment Center) providing innovative, state of the art child assessments
  • Kalamazoo offers ample and affordable housing
  • Kalamazoo is also home of the Kalamazoo Promise, a 4-year scholarship to college (bachelor's degree or 130 credits, whichever occurs first), covering tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Kalamazoo Public School students.
  • Located midway between Chicago and Detroit
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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/19/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/21/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-michigan-5242227