Recreational Activities Specialist 2026-01526

State of Wyoming; Evanston (WY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Retirement plan (Pension/457B)

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Wyoming State Hospital is seeking a Recreation Therapist to identify client needs, develop engaging therapeutic activities, and document progress in medical records. The role includes community outings and group interventions within a mental health setting, with a focus on promoting positive change and successful community reintegration.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's in Recreation Therapy, 0–1 year of experience, and CTRS certification within one year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy is required.
• 0-1 year of progressive experience in recreational therapy or related field.
• CTRS certification or CTRS certification within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer the recreational program to meet physical, cognitive and sensory needs.
• Plan activities and community outings to build mobility, social and emotional skills.
• Create, implement and evaluate care plans with 1:1 and group interventions.
• Document progress in the client’s medical record and monitor safety.
• Assess client needs to tailor programming for positive change.
• Support treatment services within a mental health clinical setting.

Skills

Recreational therapy

Community integration

Documentation

Assessment

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy

Job description

Description And Functions

Open Until Filled

General Description

Identify client-specific strengths and needs through formal assessment, develop and carry out therapeutic interventions consistent with the clients’ needs and interests and provide treatment services, using a variety of techniques, to address areas of need and promote positive change to increase success in the community upon discharge.

Join our team at the Wyoming State Hospital and fulfill your passion for serving others and making a difference in your community while starting a career in state government. The city of Evanston is a small, Rocky Mountain community that is a 45-minute drive from the world-famous ski slopes of Park City, Utah. The area surrounding Evanston is excellent for recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists with the development and administration of the recreational program for the facility utilizing various forms of recreation to meet the physical, cognitive, and sensory needs of the individuals served.
• Plans and conducts activities and community integration outings that enable people to learn and practice mobility and cognitive, social, and emotional skills to get the most out of life and integrate with the public.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates care plans for clients, including 1:1 and group interventions to meet the needs of the patients in a mental health clinical setting.
• Documents data in a client's medical record, noting progress toward treatment objectives.
• Monitors participants during recreational activities to ensure institutional safety.
• Assesses the client's needs and interests to develop specific programming to promote positive change through therapeutic groups and individual sessions.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

• Completion of an internship in Recreation Therapy that meets NCTRC requirements.
• Will allow up to one year to obtain a CTRS credential from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Knowledge

• Knowledge of recreational therapy practice, principles, and procedures.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to the area of specialization.
• Knowledge of recreational materials, tools, and equipment, and their care and use.
• Knowledge of the rules and procedures for a wide variety of team and individual sports and games.
• Knowledge of individual and group work techniques used in recreational instruction and organization.
• Knowledge of community resources available to the recreation program of the institution.

Education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Recreation Therapy)

Experience

0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in recreational therapy)

Education & Experience Substitution

3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in recreational therapy)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

CTRS certification, or CTRS certification obtained within one year of employment

Physical Working Conditions

• Physical ability to lift, twist, bend, pull and push up to 50 lbs.

Notes

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• A background check, including the taking of fingerprints, will be completed through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for every successful applicant.
• Pre-employment drug testing will be conducted for every successful applicant.
• The Wyoming Department of Health offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, life, and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, a state retirement plan, a deferred compensation program, and longevity pay.
• The Wyoming State Hospital uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
• A current Influenza Vaccination may be required.
• Employees of this facility will be expected to follow all rules and requirements established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding COVID-19.

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job — it’s a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees Enjoy

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 9 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation:

https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION

Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can’t find anywhere else — wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Human Resource Contact: Brenda Hales - [e-mail]