Activities Assistant

State of Iowa; Independence (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is hiring an Activities Assistant for the Independence Mental Health Institute. This full-time position involves designing and leading therapeutic activities for patients, with opportunities for professional growth and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Holidays (9 days/year)

Vacation Leave (Starting at 96 hours/year)

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance ($20,000 paid by the State of Iowa)

Qualifications

• Experience in recreational, arts, crafts, or music program.
• Equivalent college coursework in related areas is accepted.
• Continuous experience in the state executive branch is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist Activities Specialists in organizing and facilitating activities.
• Plan and lead activities promoting patients' well-being.
• Monitor and evaluate patient treatment needs.

Skills

Planning and leading recreational activities

Monitoring patient progress

Evaluating patient needs

Education

Two years of education and/or full-time experience in related fields

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, working 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 multidisciplinary team to work with assigned patients. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

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

Applicants must complete a background check to be considered.

IMHI provides inpatient treatment and acute psychiatric services, including individualized treatment plans and support for children and adolescents to 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, 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) (Employee contributes 6.29%; State contributes 9.44%)
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC) (Employer-sponsored retirement plan; State of Iowa matches up to $75/month)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Vacation Leave (Starting at 96 hours/year, increasing with tenure)
• Sick Leave (144 hours/year)
• Paid Holidays (9 days/year)
• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Life Insurance ($20,000 paid by the State of Iowa)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

For more benefits information, click here.

See how we compare with other employers using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Independence Highlights

Located in Independence, Iowa, a city of about 6,000 in scenic Northeast Iowa, with recreational opportunities like canoeing and fishing along the Wapsipinicon River. The city features a newer public library, trails, and Cedar Rock State Park, which includes a Frank Lloyd Wright home. It is 30 minutes from Waterloo/Cedar Falls, 45 minutes from Cedar Rapids, and 1 hour from Iowa City.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS encourages those with "lived experience," including adults fostered as youth, foster parents, and parents who were in the HHS system, to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For hearing and speech impairments, Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD.

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Learn more at www.e-verify.gov.

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

1. Two years of full-time work 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 additional information, click here to view the job description. Employees may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and endorsements after hire, as determined by the appointing authority.