Recreation Therapy Aide

State of Montana; Montana; On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

State of Montana seeks a Recreation Therapy Aide at Montana State Hospital to plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities for patients on unit and in designated areas. Activities include campus-wide events, group sessions, and individualized plans, using a variety of recreation and fitness equipment.

Qualifications include a high school diploma, at least one year of psychiatric technician experience, and strong verbal/written communication.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses and disabilities.
• Experience planning and facilitating a variety of social and recreational activities (fitness, arts & crafts, sports, leisure, hobbies, music).
• Knowledge of recreation and fitness equipment.
• Motivational techniques to encourage patient involvement in treatment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with patients requiring different levels of assistance.
• Ability to handle sensitive information per HIPPA policy.
• Proficiency with computers and basic office software (spreadsheets, word processing, databases, email).

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities for patients on unit and in designated areas.
• Facilitate campus-wide events, large and small group activities, and individualized sessions.
• Operate and maintain recreation and fitness equipment during activities.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

HIPPA compliance

Computer use

Patient confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description - Recreation Therapy Aide (26142707)

Position Title:

Recreation Therapy Aide - ( 26142707 )

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as a Recreation Therapy Aide at Montana State Hospital.

Recreation Therapy Aides (RTA) plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities that meet the diverse preferences and interests of the patients. Therapeutic activities are facilitated by RTA staff on unit as well as off unit in designated treatment areas to include campus-wide events, large and small group activities, and assigned individualized sessions.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity:

Knowledge of mental health diagnoses as well as developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities.

Knowledge and experience planning and facilitating a variety of social and recreational activities to include fitness, arts and crafts, sports, social leisure, recreation, hobbies, and music.

Knowledge of application and use of a variety of recreation and fitness equipment.

Skill using motivational techniques to encourage patient involvement in treatment.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work with patients requiring different degrees of assistance.

Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information according to HIPPA policy and procedure.

Ability to operate a personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete the essential functions including using spreadsheet, word processing, data base, e-mail, internet, and other computer programs.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience working as a psychiatric technician is required.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Salary: $

23.55 - 23.55 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Warm Springs Agency : Department of Public Health & Human Services Union : Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Oct 23, 2026, 2:16:24 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Nov 23, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Resume

Contact Name : Kathleen Tarkalson | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone] Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.