What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Therapist Senior position at State of Minnesota?
Job Class: Recreation Therapist Senior
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
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 recreation therapist is responsible for a comprehensive range of clinical and administrative duties, including completing comprehensive assessments of a patient's physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual needs to inform the development of treatment plans. Based on these assessments, they design and implement goal-oriented therapeutic interventions and facilitate opportunities for meaningful recreation participation. To ensure the effectiveness of their work, they must also evaluate the outcomes of services and adjust treatment plans as needed. The therapist is ultimately accountable for the safety and effectiveness of all recreation therapy services. Beyond direct patient care, they also contribute to broader program management, which can include quality improvement projects and the management of equipment and supplies.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
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.
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.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Julia Tang at julia.tang@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kaitlin Weckwerth at kaitlin.weckwerth@state.mn.us.
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact Direct Care & Treatment’s ADA Coordinator, John Ulrich at john.ulrich@state.mn.us for assistance.
CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to: kaitlin.weckwerth@state.mn.us.
About Direct Care And Treatment
DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
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.
Your benefits may include:
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
- Job ID: 89164
- Location: Alexandria
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 09/25/2025
- Closing Date: 10/13/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT MAPE State Operated Svcs
- Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / CBHH Alexandria Clinical 1
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am-4:30pm and one late shift per week 11:00am-7:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes; less than 5% for off-site meetings and to transport clients according to their treatment plans
- Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / 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
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.
- This position may be eligible for up to a $2,500 hiring incentive and relocation reimbursement ***
The recreation therapist is responsible for a comprehensive range of clinical and administrative duties, including completing comprehensive assessments of a patient's physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual needs to inform the development of treatment plans. Based on these assessments, they design and implement goal-oriented therapeutic interventions and facilitate opportunities for meaningful recreation participation. To ensure the effectiveness of their work, they must also evaluate the outcomes of services and adjust treatment plans as needed. The therapist is ultimately accountable for the safety and effectiveness of all recreation therapy services. Beyond direct patient care, they also contribute to broader program management, which can include quality improvement projects and the management of equipment and supplies.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
- Apply recreation therapy service delivery models and theories in the recreation therapy process including assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and documentation (APIE-D)
- Provide group and individual recreation therapy interventions using a variety of evidence-based modalities to improve leisure functioning
- Develop and communicate leisure-based interventions for multidisciplinary treatment planning that support symptom stabilization and discharge planning
- 2 years of experience as a Recreation Therapist
- 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
- Current certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation and;
- 6 months post-certification experience providing recreation therapy services
- 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 services
- Bachelors or Masters in therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy or leisure studies with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through National Council for Therapeutic Recreation with specialization area designation in behavioral health
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.
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.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Julia Tang at julia.tang@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kaitlin Weckwerth at kaitlin.weckwerth@state.mn.us.
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact Direct Care & Treatment’s ADA Coordinator, John Ulrich at john.ulrich@state.mn.us for assistance.
CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to: kaitlin.weckwerth@state.mn.us.
About Direct Care And Treatment
DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
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.
Your benefits may include:
- 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
- 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)
- 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
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Salary : $59,006 - $86,505
