Recreational Activities Specialist 2026-01526

State of Wyoming; Evanston (WY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Flexible schedules

Job summary

State of Wyoming offers a Recreation Therapy position at the Wyoming State Hospital. The role focuses on assessing client needs, developing therapeutic interventions, and leading recreational activities to promote mobility and community integration.

Required is a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy with internship experience; CTRS credential can be pursued within the first year. Wyoming benefits include health coverage, retirement plans, and paid leave.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy (or related field)
• Internship in Recreation Therapy meeting NCTRC requirements preferred
• CTRS credential or obtained within 1 year of employment preferred

Responsibilities

• Assist with development and administration of the recreational program to meet physical, cognitive, and sensory needs
• Plan and conduct activities and community outings to promote mobility, social and emotional skills
• Develop, implement, and evaluate care plans including 1:1 and group interventions
• Document data in medical records and monitor safety during activities
• Assess client needs to tailor programming for therapeutic groups and individual sessions

Skills

Recreation therapy knowledge

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor's in Recreation Therapy

Job description

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.

Description And Functions

Open Until Filled

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.