Activities Assistant - Recreation Program Assistant / Part-time, Day Shift

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA); Montevideo (MN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a part-time Activities Assistant for the Montevideo Veterans Home. The assistant will play a vital role in planning and facilitating recreation activities that enhance the well-being of veterans. Candidates should have a background in recreation therapy or related fields, showcasing their ability to create engaging programs tailored to residents' needs. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who served our country.

Benefits

Access to affordable health insurance plans

Paid vacation and sick leave

Employer-paid life insurance

Pension plan after three years of service

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Training and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Knowledge in facilitating and participating in recreational program activities.
• Skills sufficient to develop and maintain accurate records.
• Manages transportation for residents to activities.

Responsibilities

• Planning and implementing therapeutic recreation programs.
• Documenting resident attendance and tracking their progress.
• Assisting residents with technology needs.

Skills

Knowledge in recreation program activities

Observation and documentation skills

Human relations skills

Education

Associate degree in Recreation Therapy

One year of experience in recreation program therapy

Job description

Working Title: Activities Assistant

Job Class: Recreation Program Assistant

Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

• Job ID: 86697
• Location: Montevideo
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/06/2025
• Closing Date: 06/20/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Veterans Affairs Dept / Vets Home-Montevideo
• Division/Unit: Montevideo Veterans Home / Recreation Therapy
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / Varies, including some evening hours
• Days of Work: Varies, including every other weekend
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $25.73 - $32.96 / hourly PLUS $2.25/hour shift differential for all hours worked after 6:00pm and before 6:00am
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Montevideo Veterans Home is seeking to fill a Recreation Program Assistant position to join our growing team! More great people are needed to help the Home continue to admit residents.

A Recreation Program Assistant assists in planning, designing, and implementing a meaningful, therapeutic recreation program for residents, which includes day, evening, and weekend programming to meet the recreational goals of our residents. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Assists in planning recreational activities and developing and distributing the activity calendars.
• Performs or participates in resident recreational activities and off-campus outings, including transporting residents to and from activities.
• Documents resident attendance at activities and their progress in meeting goals.
• Assists residents with their virtual technology needs.
• Assists with identifying, ordering and maintaining an inventory of needed supplies and equipment for recreation therapy program activities.
  
  

The position is designated as part-time and primarily day shift. The work schedule will include at least 40 hours per 2-week pay period and may include additional hours, based on business needs. The position is initially eligible for partial employer contribution towards health and dental insurance benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume/application clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• One year of experience in recreation program therapy
  
  

OR

• Associate degree in Recreation Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Education, Parks/Recreation, or a closely related field.
  
  

AND

• Knowledge and skills in facilitating and participating in recreation program activities.
• Skills in observation and documentation sufficient to develop and maintain accurate and timely records of resident participation and progress.
• Human relations skills sufficient to interact effectively and professionally with residents, staff, volunteers and others in an individual and group setting.
• Current, valid driver’s license.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a long-term care facility with geriatric residents and residents with dementia.
• Associate degree in Recreation Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Education, Parks/Recreation, or a closely related field.
• Two or more years of experience in recreation program therapy.
• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation and/or dementia communication techniques.
• Ability to sing and play musical instruments.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Finalists will be required to pass a driver's license check.
• A Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background check may be conducted on the top finalist(s) for the position. When conducted, a finalist must pass the DHS background check.
• A Tuberculosis (Mantoux) screening (or chest x-ray) is required prior to employment.
• Employment reference checks will be conducted on finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and contact with the applicant's former employer(s).
  
  

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Dawn Gregoire at [e-mail] or 320-979-1883.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Dawn Gregoire at [e-mail].

Per M.S. 43A.111, MDVA will give priority consideration to certain qualified disabled Veterans. To be considered, you must be included on a US armed forces permanent disability list with a disability rating of at least 30%. Official written documentation of this disability dated no more than one-year preceding the date of application must be submitted. Please email the documentation, your DD214, and the job posting ID number to Dawn Gregoire at [e-mail] no later than the job posting closing date.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.