Manual Arts Instructor-Service Dog Training Program

Initial Posting Date:

09/16/2025

Application Deadline:

09/26/2025

Agency:

Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range:

$4,023 - $5,066

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Manual Arts Instructor-Service Dog Training Program-Oregon State Hospital

Job Description:

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! Manual Arts Instructor-Service Dog Training Program-Vocational and Educational Services-Oregon State Hospital.

Oregon State Hospital, a Joint Commission and CMS certified public psychiatric hospital, provides psychiatric hospital services and patient treatment services to persons committed by the Oregon courts as part of the state mental health system. The Oregon State Hospital is the largest division of OHA with over 2,600 positions across the hospital.

The Vocational and Educational programs of the Vocational, Educational, Spiritual Care, Peer Recovery and Native Services department (VESPN) provide a comprehensive range of vocational services to the inpatient and residential population of Oregon State Hospital.

Services include: 

Evaluation of vocational needs based on vocational history, skills, interests, goals, discharge setting, supports, functional and cognitive status; placement in appropriate vocational settings to facilitate development of a worker role and related work skills; referral to Vocational Rehabilitation Division (VRD) services, as appropriate, including collaboration with VRD counselors and administrators; transition to vocational settings at discharge.  Hospital based vocational services include Benchwork, Patient Pay, Greenhouse, and Woodshop settings. 

What You Will Do

This position provides support to vocational services, for patients to ensure a range of services are available to address vocational needs from work readiness skills and pre-vocational activities, to work opportunities, work hardening, job search and work support activities leading to competitive employment.  This position provides vocational training in the Service Dog Training Program, and support for various educational activities throughout the Vocational and Educational Services programs.

PRODUCTION/WORK GROUP IMPLEMENTATION: 

• Problem solves professionally and collaboratively at the lowest level where possible.  Refers questions and issues to therapeutic intervention team as needed.
• Assigns patients to work to ensure implementation of program guidelines and recommendations.
• Observes and monitors patients work to ensure quality implementation.
• Tracks sharps and ligature items to ensure safe and secure work environment.
• Performs quality control oversight to ensure quality standards set by customers are met.
• Observes and monitors patients in their work environment.
• Ensures consumables and materials used for patient workgroups are available and used in accordance with Material Safety Data Sheet requirements as applicable.

PATIENT SERVICES: 

• Provides demonstration and instruction techniques in work tasks as assigned.
• Demonstrates and instructs patients appropriate workplace habits and behaviors. 
• With direction/recommendations from program clinical staff; assigns and rotates patients through various jobs and demonstrating tasks specific to job and area where working.
• Observes and assesses patients and provides immediate feedback or refers observations to the Occupational Therapist, Vocational Rehab Counselor, or Associate Director of Patient Education. 
• Administers education modules for patients in lieu of direct training work.

If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all. 

What We Are Looking For 

Minimum Qualifications

Six months experience in each of at least three of the following:

• applying the theories, methods, and practices common to dog training.
• applying work adjustment training techniques.
• applying instruction principles and procedures.
• using tools and equipment common to dog training.
• directing individuals and groups in a work setting.
• communicating (both verbal and written) with a variety of people.

Desired Attributes

• Experience with or passion for animal-assisted therapy or service dog training, particularly in therapeutic or rehabilitative settings.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
• Experience using adaptability and creativity in vocational instruction, especially in non-traditional learning environments or with diverse learning needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, person-centered care, and a belief in the potential for recovery and growth through meaningful work.
• Experience providing work instruction in a managerial or vocational training environment.

Application Guidance 

How to Apply: Submission Requirements - At the time of application, ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date and attach a current copy of your resume and cover letter. Please include in your application (1) a cover letter (2 pages maximum) addressing how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes and preferences as appropriate and (2) a resume detailing your lived, learned and professional experience.  

• External Candidates: Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application. Be sure to follow all application submission requirements. 
• Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through the employee Workday login. Be sure to follow all application submission requirements. 
• If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact: Melissa M. Perez at (503) 949-3078 or [email protected]

After You Apply:  

• Before the job announcement closes, log in to your Workday account to check for pending tasks under “My Applications” and complete them. 
• Remember to check your email (including your junk folder) and Workday inbox for updates on your application. 
• We value our veterans! To ensure the security of your information, kindly follow the instructions for how to submit your Veteran documents for preference found here. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.  

Reminders:  

• Your candidate profile and application materials are great opportunities to showcase your interest in the position and highlight your skills and experience. Submissions will be screened for consistency and communication skills, including attention to detail, spelling, and grammar. For more tips and guidance, check out What you need to know to get the job! 
• This announcement is for one, full-time permanent, Manual Arts Instructor classification and is represented by a Union. position based in Salem, Oregon. 
• This is a on-site. Please check SECTION 4. WORKING CONDITIONS, of the position description linked above to review more details regarding the details surrounding the working conditions.  
• Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline.
• This is an open competitive opportunity, so anyone interested is welcome to apply. We encourage you to review and follow the instructions for applying carefully.  
• If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact Melissa Perez, SPHR at (503) 949-3078 [email protected]

Benefits of Joining Our Team 

We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promotes an atmosphere of respect, dedication, and purpose. You will collaborate with a team of smart, experienced and dedicated people with whom you will work and learn. If you are motivated to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including: 

• Excellent medical, vision, and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members with a very low monthly out-of-pocket cost. 
• Optional life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. 
• Employee benefits include 11 paid holidays, 3 personal business days, 10 hours of monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 10 hours per month. 
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP). 
• Training opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon. 

Additional Details 

• Employment is contingent upon passing a background check including a criminal records check and a driving records check if applicable that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment. 
• The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Department of Administrative Services Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.  
• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%. Review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification. 
• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards. 

Helpful Links & Resources 

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources  

 The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on any protected class—including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation—and we do not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position.  

OHA strives to be an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities in Oregon by 2030.