Activities Assistant

Iowa; Independence (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is seeking an Activities Assistant to provide therapeutic activities for patients. This full-time role involves collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring a supportive environment for patients' physical and mental well-being. A comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans and health insurance is offered.

Benefits

Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Vacation Leave starting at 96 hours/year

Paid Holidays (9 days/year)

Life Insurance ($20,000 paid by the state)

Qualifications

• Two years full-time experience in a recreational, arts, crafts, or music activity program.
• Experience in the state executive branch as an Activities Aide.
• Education equating to at least two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist Activities Specialists with recreational activities.
• Plan, lead, and evaluate activities promoting patients' well-being.
• Monitor, assess, and refer patients based on needs.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Planning

Organization

Education

30 semester hours of college coursework in art, music, physical education, recreation, or social/behavioral sciences

Job description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Independence Mental Health Institute (IMHI), is seeking an energetic and talented Activities Assistant to join our team and provide therapeutic activities to patients admitted for inpatient hospitalization. This is a full-time position with opportunities for advancement, growth, and development. The work hours are from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, with alternating weekends and occasional overtime.

IMHI's mission is to administer quality mental health services in a caring, supportive, and individualized atmosphere. The Activities Assistant will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to work with assigned patients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Assist other Activities Specialists
2. Plan and lead recreational activities
3. Organize and facilitate activities promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being
4. Monitor progress and treatment
5. Evaluate needs and refer patients for appropriate activities based on their level of functioning

Applicants are required to complete a background check to be considered for this role.

IMHI provides inpatient treatment and acute psychiatric services, including individualized treatment plans and support for children and adolescents, to help them continue their education. Staff and patients collaborate to formulate treatment plans, which may include medication, group counseling, and activity therapies. If you enjoy helping people through adult, children, and family services, mental health treatment, disabilities services, and long-term care, this is a great opportunity.

We offer a comprehensive total compensation package, including:

• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) with employee contributions of 6.29% and state contributions of 9.44%
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC), with the state of Iowa matching up to $75/month
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Vacation Leave (starting at 96 hours/year, increasing with years of service)
• Sick Leave (144 hours/year)
• Paid Holidays (9 days/year)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance ($20,000 paid by the state)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

For more information on benefits, click here. You can also compare our offers using the Total Compensation Calculator.

Independence Highlights

IMHI is located in Independence, Iowa, a city of about 6,000 residents in scenic Northeast Iowa. The area offers recreational activities such as canoeing and fishing on the Wapsipinicon River. The city features a newer public library, trails, and Cedar Rock State Park, which includes a Frank Lloyd Wright home. Independence is 30 minutes from Waterloo/Cedar Falls, 45 minutes from Cedar Rapids, and 1 hour from Iowa City, home of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

We value individuals with "lived experience" and encourage adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are also encouraged to apply. For hearing and speech impairments, please use Relay Iowa at 1-800-735-2942 TDD.

Our agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all new hires. Learn more at www.e-verify.gov.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements:

1. Two years of full-time experience in a recreational, arts, crafts, or music activity program.
2. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience in related fields, where thirty semester hours of college coursework in art, music, physical education, recreation, social/behavioral sciences, or related areas equals one year of experience.
3. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch, including 18 months as an Activities Aide or Resident Treatment Worker.

For more details, click here to view the full job description. Post-hire, employees may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and endorsements as determined by the appointing authority.