Health Care Technician I (Work Program Assistant) - Cherry Hospital

About the role

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work The primary responsibility of this position is to provide work task demonstration, instruction, and assistance to patients in a work setting. This position provides guidance and support to patients to improve work site specific skills and general knowledge required to secure and maintain employment in the community. The goal of all services provided to patients at Cherry Hospital is to improve each patient's skills to promote a successful transition back to the community. The position provides positive patient centered interactions and demonstrates effective communication, a willingness to help others, and respect for patients and peers. Work programs may be offered in a variety of locations including, but not limited to the treatment mall workshop, library, canteen, bookmobile, PSR Consultant, newsletter, and janitorial crews. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Range: $31,200 - $46,348 Recruitment Range: $35,360 - $38,688 *This is an anticipated vacancy. *A Sign-on bonus of $2,000.00 may be offered to the successful applicant(s) of this posting, contingent on the 2025-2026 Budget Approval. Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred: Knowledge of vocational skill-building and recovery-oriented practices, with the ability to model, teach, and reinforce essential work behaviors such as attendance, task focus, cooperation, problem-solving, personal responsibility, and initiative in both therapeutic group and one-on-one settings. Skill in engaging individuals with serious mental illness in meaningful, structured, work-based activities by utilizing strengths-based approaches, adaptive strategies, and therapeutic communication to support participation, build confidence, promote new skill acquisition, and facilitate progress toward individual goals. Ability to maintain a safe, organized, and person-centered work environment, demonstrated through accurate documentation, clear and consistent communication with the treatment team, and strict adherence to hospital safety protocols and professional boundaries. This Position Is Designated as Mandatory and Must Report or Stay Over During Adverse Weather Events. *Eligibility for Sign-on Bonus To qualify for the Sign-on Bonus, a newly hired permanent full-time or permanent part-time employee must work 30 to 40 hours per week to be eligible. Those who are eligible and working less than 40 hours a week will receive a prorated rate. An employee is not eligible for a sign-on bonus if: The employee has held a position in the North Carolina State government, including the judicial system, or the University of North Carolina system, within the last 12 months (the employee shall remain ineligible for 12 months from the separation date) The employee has previously received a sign-on bonus from any State agency DHHS has paid any contract placement or recruitment fees. All Sign-on Bonuses are contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. Additional information regarding the Sign-on Policy can be found here . About the Facility: Cherry Hospital is a State-of-the-Art Psychiatric hospital located in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Cherry Hospital serves the 38 most eastern counties of North Carolina with a mission to serve those with the greatest need and the fewest resources. We strive to create a healing environment in which every team member has opportunity to positively impact on the lives of those around them and the individuals we serve. Learn more about our facility at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/state-operated-healthcare-facilities/facilities/state-psychiatric-hospitals . In addition to a very competitive salary, this opportunity offers an excellent benefits package, loan repayment opportunities, employment stability and rewarding professional opportunities. Supplemental Contact Information: DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and bu