DSHS CSTC Recreation Therapist 2

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Recreation Therapist 2 for the Child Study and Treatment Center in Lakewood, WA. You will join an interdisciplinary team delivering comprehensive recreation therapy services to support patient well‑being.

With CTRS certification and at least 18 months of professional experience in therapeutic recreation, you will assess patients, develop and implement treatment plans, and lead group activities in a dynamic behavioral

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited Therapeutic Recreation program.
• CTRS certification required and registered with WA DOH.
• Minimum 18 months of professional therapeutic recreation experience.
• Ability to lead groups with youth with mental/behavioral health challenges.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex assessments of patients and create/implement plan of care.
• Organize and lead 15–20 recreation activities weekly.
• Conduct 1:2 or 2:1 Recreation Therapy interventions.
• Document progress and incidents in the patient chart.
• Maintain attendance for all programs.
• Provide input on patient progress during recreation therapy groups.
• Attend weekly clinical meetings.
• Plan and implement community integration and transition activities.
• Direct and coordinate work of students and volunteers.

Skills

Leadership

Group facilitation

Independent work

Crisis intervention

Education

Accredited Therapeutic Recreation program

Job description

DSHS CSTC Recreation Therapist 2

Join the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHAA) and make a meaningful impact in your community as a Recreation Therapist 2 at Child Study and Treatment Center in Lakewood, WA.

As a key member of the interdisciplinary team, you will provide comprehensive Recreation Therapy Services, including conducting assessments, developing and implementing treatment plans, and evaluating therapeutic recreation interventions to support patient well-being.

Help shape the future of behavioral health services in Washington State while advocating for individuals in need.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS.

Some of what you'll do:

• Perform complex assessments of patients in specialty service; plans, organize and implement therapeutic recreation plan of care to meet individual patient needs
• Organize and lead 15-20 recreational therapy activities both in and outside of the hospital environment weekly
• Conduct 1:2 or 2:1 Recreation Therapy interventions as recommended by treatment team
• Documents client's progress and/or emergent incident involving clients in the client chart
• Maintain attendance for all programs led
• As a member of the multidisciplinary team, the RT (Recreation Therapist) provides input regarding patient's progress during recreation therapy groups
• Attends weekly clinical meetings as scheduled
• Plan and implement community integration and transition activities
• Direct, train, and coordinate the work of recreation therapy students, practicum students, and volunteers in therapeutic recreational procedures

What we're looking for:

• Strong leadership, planning, and facilitation skills
• Ability to confidently lead groups of youth with a variety of mental and behavioral health challenges
• Ability to work independently
• Knowledge and experience in intervening and de-escalating in crisis or potentially dangerous situations with the ability to safely physically intervene to protect patients from harming themselves or others by following agency policy and procedures

Who should apply?

• Professionals who have graduated from an accredited Therapeutic Recreation program and have at least 18 months of professional therapeutic recreation experience.

OR

• Those with an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Applicants must hold a CTRS certification from the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation and be registered with the Washington State Department of Health.

Additional information:

• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• 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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (NEPOTISM) Disclosure

Relationship and Reporting Structure (NEPOTISM) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.