Activities Leader (Part Time)

State of South Dakota; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

11 paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The State of South Dakota is seeking motivated part-time Activities Leaders for the Recreational Therapy program at the Human Services Center in Yankton. You will work with Therapeutic Recreational Specialists to provide engaging activities that promote physical wellness, social engagement, and quality of life for residents.

Responsibilities include leading groups, assisting with fitness, arts and crafts, and coordinating events in the Activity Center or treatment programs.

Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, long-term care, or recreation.
• Experience leading recreational, fitness, or leisure activities for individuals or groups.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Passion for helping others improve quality of life through meaningful recreation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist with recreational groups, fitness and wellness activities, arts and crafts, games, and events.
• Support Activity Center operations and care for therapy animals as needed.
• Coordinate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to provide high-quality resident care.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

CNA certification

Lifeguard Certification

Job description

Job ID: 36773

Agency: Department of Social Services / Human Services Center

Location:Yankton, SD

Salary: $20.25 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: F

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a Part-Time >= 20 Hours Weekly position with the Human Services Center. For more information on the Human Services Center, please visit https://dss.sd.gov .

Summary

If you have a passion for helping others while creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences, we invite you to join our Recreational Therapy team at the Human Services Center.

We are currently hiring for multiple part-time Activities Leader positions across our Recreational Therapy programs. Positions may provide coverage in our Activities Center or within specialized treatment programs, depending on departmental needs.

As an Activities Leader, you will work alongside Therapeutic Recreational Specialists to provide recreational opportunities that promote physical wellness, social engagement, leisure education, and overall quality of life for the residents we serve. Through engaging recreational activities, you will help residents build healthy leisure skills, develop social connections, and achieve individualized treatment goals in a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities include leading and assisting with recreational groups, fitness and wellness activities, arts and crafts, games, special events and Activity Center operations. Activities Leaders also assist with caring for therapy animals, maintaining a welcoming environment, and supporting the interdisciplinary treatment team in providing high-quality resident care.

These positions primarily work afternoon and evening hours and include an every-other-weekend rotation. Part-time employees work a minimum of 20 hours per week, with schedules varying based on program and coverage needs.

Licenses And Certifications

• CNA certification or the ability to obtain CNA certification.


• Ability to obtain Lifeguard Certification (training provided).

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• experience working in healthcare, behavioral health, long-term care, human services, recreation, or a related field;


• experience leading recreational, fitness, educational, or leisure activities for individuals or group;


• strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills;


• a passion for helping others improve their quality of life through meaningful recreation.

Knowledge Of

• recreational programming and leisure activities;


• mental health, behavioral health, and dementia care principles;


• person-centered programming;


• documentation methods;


• security procedures related to recreational programming;


• basic leadership and group facilitation techniques.

Skill To

• plan, organize, and facilitate recreational groups and individual activities;


• adapt activities to meet varying physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities;


• communicate effectively with residents, families, and staff;


• maintain accurate documentation and records;


• manage multiple priorities while maintaining a therapeutic environment.

Ability To

• work effectively with individuals of varying backgrounds, abilities, and needs in a therapeutic environment;


• establish and maintain professional relationships with residents and coworkers;


• demonstrate creativity, flexibility, initiative, and professionalism;


• promote participation in recreational and leisure activities;


• serve as a positive role model;


• work independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team;


• respond appropriately to safety and security concerns;


• effectively communicate concerns, observations, and needs to supervisors;


• maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration

Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

\"An Equal Opportunity Employer\"