DSHS BHHA Recreation and Athletics Specialist

Overview

Join our team as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 2 (RAS2) at our newest behavioral health treatment campus, Maple Lane, near Centralia, WA. Maple Lane Behavioral Health Treatment Center offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed or adjudicated not guilty by reason of mental diagnosis. Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State's vision of community-based care.

Our residential units are built on the vision of community-based care—offering innovative treatment in a smaller setting, keeping residents connected to their families and support networks. This role involves leading a range of recreational and therapeutic activities aimed at improving residents’ well-being. You will plan, organize, and supervise fitness, music, hobby programs, and special events while ensuring safety and positive interactions.

You will guide residents in achieving social, cognitive, emotional, and physical improvements through recreation. Key responsibilities include assessing individual needs, supporting residents in rehabilitation goals, and providing health and wellness education. Maple Lane is a key business unit of DSHS s Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration, where our dedicated staff offer patients enriching opportunities and experiences outside the hospital setting, preparing them for a smooth transition back into the community.

This is a great opportunity to be a team member as BHHA modernizes and enhances behavioral health treatment in Washington State. 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.

• Plan, lead, document and evaluate recreational activities and residents’ progress.
• Supervise athletic, weightlifting, fitness, music, and hobby programs, as well as special recreation events.
• Conduct all recreational activities safely and securely.
• Provide health and wellness information and encourage sportsmanship and positive interactions.
• Provide guidance and counseling to residents regarding recreation programs.
• Assist in securing resources and equipment for designated areas.
• Facilitate improvement of social, cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning.
• Identify specific resident needs, treatment, and rehabilitation goals and how to achieve them through recreation sources.
• Attend recreation-based staff-escorted community outings.

Who should apply?

• Professionals with a bachelor s degree involving major study in either
• (a) recreation or therapeutic recreation,
• (b) music, drama, or physical education or
• (c) psychology, sociology, or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music or drama

AND

• One year of paid, professional recreation experience

OR

• One year of experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 1

OR

• Equivalent education or experience may substitute for above qualifications.

Note:

Recreational therapy includes providing individualized assessments and treatment which are goal oriented and directed towards rehabilitation and modification of specific physical, emotional, mental or social behaviors.

• Knowledge of behavioral health and recovery principles.
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead recreation programs and activities.
• Leadership skills that allow you to effectively instruct others in a way that promotes a positive learning environment.
• Ability to work within a team, and resolve personal conflicts in a calm, non-threatening manner.
• Ability to respond appropriately and cope with occasionally abusive, harassing, or threatening language and/or aggressive behavior from residents.
• Knowledgeable of psychiatric symptoms.
• Demonstrate a capacity for compassion and curiosity towards residents.

We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness.

Please reach out to the DSHS Recruiter laan.gov and reference job number #01395.

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