Recreation Therapist Senior

State of Minnesota; Saint Peter (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Annual pay increases

Pension plan

Employer paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking a Senior Recreation Therapist to design and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs for Minnesota Sex Offender Program clients. You'll collaborate with the treatment team to promote client independence and meaningful daily activities.

Two openings with day shifts, occasional weekends, and a focus on comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation within a secure setting. Strong clinical skills in assessment, planning, and documentation are required.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience as a Recreation Therapist.
• 4 years of experience providing recreation therapy services with required competencies.
• Education substitutions apply per policy: 6–18 months depending on degree.
• Must meet background checks and education verification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs for MSOP clients.
• Assess leisure needs and organize recreation participation opportunities.
• Collaborate with treatment team to promote client independence.
• Document therapy services orally and in writing in a timely manner.
• Participate in department meetings to enhance programming.

Skills

Patient Assessment

Treatment Planning

Outcome Evaluation

Group Facilitation

Adaptation of Activities

Program Development

Caseload Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy

Certification: National Council for Therapeutic Recreation

Associates degree substitution for experience

Master’s degree substitution for experience

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No

Working Title: Recreation Therapist Senior

Job Class: Recreation Therapist Senior

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 96918
• Location: St. Peter
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/10/2026
• Closing Date: 09/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / MAPE Forensics
• Division/Unit: MSOP Prof Staff / MSOP SP CPS Clinical Prog
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift: M T, TH, F from 7:30am-4pm & Wed 12pm-8:30pm OR M-F 7:45am-4:15pm w/ occasional weekends
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday with occasional weekends
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

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 Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) is a residential, sex offense specific treatment program in a modified therapeutic community and secure setting that provides services to over 700 individuals who have been civilly committed for sexual offending. MSOP is a national leader in the industry and is committed to providing services on the leading edge of the comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and management of clients. MSOP has facilities in Moose Lake and St. Peter, MN.

Recreation Therapist, Sr.

The Recreation Therapist, Sr. plays an important role in developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative therapeutic recreation and leisure programs for Minnesota Sex Offender Program clients. Working within applicable rules, regulations and polices, the Recreation Therapist, Sr. demonstrates creativity and flexibility in the treatment planning process which includes collaborating with the treatment team. These programs promote client independence through goal planning, scheduling and promoting daily activities.

• Providing services to persons with mental illness, assessing leisure/recreational needs, creating and facilitating treatment interventions, organizing and preparing recreation participation opportunities
• Working with others in developing and implementing psychosocial rehabilitation programs
• Facilitating and contributing to recreation programming design, development and evaluation which promotes client independence while also teaching clients constructive use of their leisure time through goal planning and promoting healthy daily activities
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing to provide appropriate and timely documentation of therapeutic service delivery
• Participating in department meetings/committees for the purpose of enhancing therapeutic programming

This posting is being used to fill 2 openings. One position has the hours of M,T,Th,F 7:30-4:00pm and Wed 12pm-8:30pm and other has hours of M-F 7:45am-4:15pm with occasional weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• 2 years of experience as a Recreation Therapist

OR

• 4 years of experience providing recreation therapy services. Experience must include at least 4 of the following:

• Patient Assessment
• Patient Treatment/Intervention Planning
• Patient Outcome Evaluation/Tracking
• Group Facilitation
• Adaptation of Activities
• Program Development
• Caseload Management

OR

• Current certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation and;
• 6 months post-certification experience providing recreation therapy services

Education Substitution

• Associates degree in Recreation Therapy may substitute for six months experience providing recreation therapy services.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Park/Recreation & Leisure, Physical Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a highly related field may substitute for 1 year of experience providing recreation therapy services.
• Master’s degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Park/Recreation & Leisure, Physical Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a highly related field may substitute for 18 months of experience providing recreation therapy servicev

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job‑related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

About Direct Care And Treatment

Direct Care and Treatment is a highly specialized behavioral health system operated by the State of Minnesota. DCT operates treatment programs, residential and vocational services for people with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and more.

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.

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Annual pay increases
• 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.