The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is seeking qualified candidates for Activity Leader (hourly) at Southwestern State Hospital in Thomasville, Georgia

Provide basic patient care and work with patients/clients to develop daily living skills May take vital signs and perform other related medical procedures under the direction of nursing staff      

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

·          Performs job responsibilities with minimal supervision

·          Serves as job expert or organization resource in assigned areas

·          May supervise support staff

·          Answers clients call signals

·          Assists in administration of medications and treatments, takes vital signs, and/or draws blood or collects other bodily fluids, as directed by a physician or nurse

·          Bathes, grooms, shaves and dresses clients

·          Conducts activities for recreation and socialization

·          Ensures safety and security of clients

·          Feeds clients who are unable to feed themselves

·          Implements assigned parts of client individualized treatment and behavior management plans

·          Observes and documents patient data, behavior and activity

·          Prepares clients for treatment or examination

·          Provides client care by supplying and emptying bedpans, applying dressings and supervising exercise routines

·          Provides clients with help walking, exercising, and moving in and out of bed

·          Transports and/or accompanies clients to treatment units, using a wheelchair or stretcher

·          Turns and re-positions bedridden clients, alone or with assistance, to prevent bedsores

NOTE:  Applicants should pay particular attention to the application process listed at the bottom of this posting.  Failure to follow them, as directed, may prevent or delay consideration for this vacancy.

Job seekers are encouraged to apply without delay.  This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

Due to the volume of applications/resumes received, we are unable to provide information on the status of your application by phone or e-mail.   All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview.  Only selected applicants will be contacted for follow up.  Applicants who are not selected will not be contacted.

High School Diploma or GED and One year of experience in a related field OR One year of experience at the lower level or position equivalent

·          Excellent interpersonal skills - must project a professional attitude

·          Experience working with special populations, especially individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities,  substance abuse

·          Good computer skills - must be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, internet search engines and e-mail

·          Flexibility in job duties and work hours

$10-14/hour; negotiable based on education and experience / hour. This is an hourly position with no benefits associated.

This position is located at Southwestern State Hospital in Thomasville, Georgia.

More than a century ago, Thomasville was celebrated as one of the most fashionable places in the world to visit. During the Victorian era, many wealthy northern socialites and pleasure seekers traveled by rail to enjoy Thomasville as their grand winter resort. Attracted to the genteel life of south Georgia, many made Thomasville their winter home and built "grand winter cottages". Although this era quickly faded in the early 1900s, more than fifty of these grand historic homes still grace Thomasville's streets.

Thomasville, in southwest Georgia and on the Florida border, is home to both the second largest Farmer’s Market in the state and three Fortune 500 companies.

Please email your cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word format to: swsh_hr@dhr.state.ga.us

To ensure proper routing/handling of your credentials, copy/paste or type the following title in the subject line of your email: Activity Leader (hourly)   If you are currently employed by DBHDD, please include "Internal Employee" in the subject line as well.

You may be subject to a Drug Screen. You may be required to submit fingerprints to check for the existence of Criminal History Record Information through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You do have the right to challenge the contents of any Criminal History that is located, should you choose to do so.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities provides services to ensure the health and welfare of Georgians. As an employee of DBHDD, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.