DSHS WSH Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3

DSHS Recreation & Athletics Specialist 3

DSHS's Western State Hospital (WSH) in Lakewood, WA is seeking a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3 to join the Rehabilitation Therapy team in the Civil Ward.

The Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3, with supervision from the Rehab Therapy Supervisor, will plan, implement, document, and direct active treatment of therapeutic music groups/activities and recreational programming to patients at Western State Hospital (WSH) in the Habilitative Mental Health program. This position plans, organizes and directs a major segment of the therapeutic music programming for WSH, serving as a member of the interdisciplinary team.

The RAS3 will be facilitating therapeutic groups and providing habilitative therapy services including mental health treatment, counseling, and coaching to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) who have co-occurring major mental disorders and/or severe challenging behaviors

The schedule for this position is Tuesday - Saturday 9:30AM - 6:00PM with Sundays and Mondays OFF.

Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Some of what you will do:

• Develop and facilitate recreational programming based on patient needs, interests, and abilities
• Plan and lead group and individual activities, including sports, fitness, arts, and special events
• Provide structured engagement services that support patient participation and skill development
• Collaborate with clinical staff and participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning
• Support crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts as needed
• Complete required documentation, including attendance and patient response to programming

We are looking for:

• Experience planning and facilitating group activities, including large groups
• Experience supporting individuals in developing self-management and independent living skills to promote successful community transition and discharge is preferred
• Ability to support patients during behavioral crises using therapeutic and program-approved approaches
• Knowledge of a range of recreational activities, such as fitness, sports, arts, and social programming
• Experience working with adults with mental illness, preferably in an inpatient setting
• Ability to respond effectively to emergency situations
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team

Who should apply? Professionals with the following:

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in:
• Recreation or therapeutic recreation OR
• Music/drama, or physical education OR
• Psychology, sociology, or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music, or drama
• Two years of paid professional recreation experience
• OR One year of experience as a WA State Recreation Athletic Specialist 2

The Recreation & Athletics Specialist must have the ability to obtain Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration and Washington State Food Worker card within 30 days of employment

Questions? Email DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at View email address on click.appcast.io or call the main Talent Acquisition line at View phone number on click.appcast.io and reference 07107.

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website . The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs . Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems ' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information . Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours.

Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are