Manual Arts Instructor-Benchwork-Oregon State Hospital

Initial posting date: 09/16/2026. Application deadline: 10/06/2026. Agency: Oregon Health Authority. Position: Manual Arts Instructor‑Benchwork, Oregon State Hospital (Salem campus). Full‑time, SEIU‑represented, on‑site.

About the role

Support the Vocational Services Department by providing benchwork training to patients in the forensics program. Teach assembly, heat packaging, kit building, and related tasks to help patients develop vocational skills for successful community re‑entry.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Vocational Services Department for patients in the forensics program.
• Perform benchwork with clients assigned by an Occupational Therapist, teaching specific benchwork skills.
• Assemble parts for consumer use.
• Perform heat packaging.
• Conduct kit building (automotive, camping, retail kits).
• Package screw packs for auto kits.
• Ensure a range of vocational services (work readiness, skills, pre‑vocational, sheltered work, work hardening, job search, competitive employment).

Requirements

Minimum qualifications: six months of experience in each of at least three of the following areas:

• Applying theories, methods, and practices common in a landscaping environment.
• Applying work adjustments to training techniques.
• Applying instruction principles and procedures.
• Using tools and equipment common to assembly and benchwork.
• Directing individuals and groups in a work setting.
• Communication (verbal and written) with a diverse variety of people.

Desired Attributes

• Experience creating a respectful, accepting work environment for diverse team members.
• Passion for and experience helping people with severe mental health challenges.
• Experience creating an encouraging work environment.
• Experience creating organized, detail‑oriented work instruction.
• Experience in verbal de‑escalation when working with others.
• Experience working in a high‑security, locked facility.
• High level of situational awareness in landscaping settings to ensure health, safety, and welfare of patients, staff, and visitors.

Benefits

• Excellent, low‑cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for employee and family.
• Optional benefits: life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, FSA for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through PERS/OPSRP.
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Pay

Salary range: $4,124 – $5,193 per month (non‑PERS qualifying range). If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the range increases by 6.95%.

Schedule

Full‑time, Monday–Friday, day shift, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., on‑site at 2600 Center St. NE, Salem, Oregon.