Exercise Science Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $36,516.00 - $58,446.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 191499
Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Division: Greater Bryan Psychiatric Hospital
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: EB45
Position Number:: 60030233
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Monday- Friday 8:30am-5:00pm with rotating weekends and holidays.
Pay Grade: CLN04
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education using verifiable dates.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
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 an 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, William S. Hall, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.
As the Activity Therapist I, working under the supervision of the Activity Therapy Supervisor, you will plan, organize, coordinate, conduct and implement a comprehensive program of goal-oriented referral groups and leisure activities/events that meet the recovery needs of patients admitted to an acute care facility.
Responsibilities for the Activity Therapist I:

• Plan, organize, coordinate, implement, and conduct goal oriented assigned Activity Therapy groups, sessions, activities and activities. Serve as secondary therapist in the absence of the primary therapist.
• Observe, interview and prepare timely written and electronic medical records documentation related to treatment goals on assigned patients, identifying interests, skills and problem areas. Submit calendars, requisitions, statistical reports as requested and/or needed. comply with Performance Improvement and Infection Control measures. Knowledgeable of directives, policies, and procedures that meet OMH and BPH for accrediting standards and regulations.
• Provide pertinent feedback and input to Treatment Team regarding patients' progress, involvement, schedules, etc. Provide and ensure accurate, timely documentation for Treatment Team meetings; provide information regarding the patients's goals, outcomes, interests, activity involvement, behavior, and performance on Master Treatment Plan (MTP) and update before Treatment Team meetings. Provide signature on Master Treatment Plan (MTP) and update before finalization. Communicate with supervisor, coordinator and lodge staff regarding schedules, changes, coverage and concerns. Attend Treatment Team meetings only as requested and with prior supervisory approval.
• Plan, coordinate implement, evening, weekend, holiday and leisure activities and special/seasonal events.
• Attend and participate in Activity Therapy Service and mandatory meetings, relevant committees, educational in-services, workshop trainings, conferences and other appropriate meetings as required.
• Maintain facilities equipment and supplies. Inventory and submit requisitions for supplies, equipment, food orders, repairs, etc. Observe and comply with rules, regulations and policies.

Additional requirements:

• Possess a valid SC driver's license.
• Be able to push, pull, lift and climb
• Be able to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, inclement weather conditions (as requested).
• Be flexible and willing to work with all genders and populations in the BPH Adult, Child and Adolescent and Forensic service areas.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A high school diploma and relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree in physical education, recreation or a related field may be substituted for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutics, Art, Physical and Leisure Education, Exercise Science, Health, Music, Horticulture, Library Science, Sociology, Sports management, Psychology, Human Performance, Fine Arts or a bachelor's degree in the aforementioned field and one (1) year of experience.

Additional Comments
Post hire, employee must:

• Have knowledge, ability, skills of principles, practices objectives of Therapeutic Recreation (TR) in group setting.
• Have knowledge of state, and federal regulations, current guidelines, policies and procedures related to TR and patients in a psychiatric hospital.
• Have skills in planning. organizing, and implementing TR programs.
• Have skills in expressing ides clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Be able to drive/operate state vehicles.
• Demonstrate acceptable attendance and punctuality, rarely being tardy for work.
• Maintain a satisfactory attendance record and proactively communicates with the supervisor if running late or unable to attend work (submits the appropriate documentation for planned and unplanned leave in a timely manner).
• Adhere to one hour lunch period.

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 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
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan
  • State Optional Retirement Program

*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.
60014907
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Have you ever been employed by the SC Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities - Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formerly SC Department of Mental Health) or any other SC State Government Agency?

• Yes
• No

02
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense (other than in a Juvenile Court), you MUST list this information (unless you have taken steps to expunge your record.) This includes fraudulent checks, driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. *Please note that conviction of a criminal offense does not bar you from employment in all cases; each conviction is evaluated individually. However, failure to list convictions is considered falsification of the application and WILL BE grounds for termination, if hired. It is your responsibility to know what is on your criminal record. If you have charges on your record that appear without a court disposition (result) you may be asked to provide that information if selected for employment. If you have questions, please inquire before you complete your application.PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ANSWERING THIS QUESTION WILL DEEM YOUR APPLICATION AS INCOMPLETE AND IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.Please indicate your understanding to this statement by checking the box below.

• Checking this box indicates my understanding to the above referenced statement.

03
Do you have a high school diploma and relevant program experience?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05
Are you able and willing to work with all gender and populations at the BPH Adult, Child and Adolescent and Forensic service areas?

• Yes
• No

06
Is your schedule flexible that you can work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays as requested?

• Yes
• No

07
Please indicate your salary requirements (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open").
Required Question