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DSHS CSTC Recreation Therapist 2

State of Washington
Lakewood, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/21/2026
DSHS CSTC Recreation Therapist 2

Join the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHAA) and make a meaningful impact in your community as a Recreation Therapist 2 at Child Study and Treatment Center in Lakewood, WA. 

As a key member of the interdisciplinary team, you will provide comprehensive Recreation Therapy Services, including conducting assessments, developing and implementing treatment plans, and evaluating therapeutic recreation interventions to support patient well-being.


Help shape the future of behavioral health services in Washington State while advocating for individuals in need.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS.



Some of what you'll do: 
  • Perform complex assessments of patients in specialty service; plans, organize and implement therapeutic recreation plan of care to meet individual patient needs
  • Organize and lead 15-20 recreational therapy activities both in and outside of the hospital environment weekly
  • Conduct 1:2 or 2:1 Recreation Therapy interventions as recommended by treatment team
  • Documents client's progress and/or emergent incident involving clients in the client chart
  • Maintain attendance for all programs led
  • As a member of the multidisciplinary team, the RT (Recreation Therapist) provides input regarding patient's progress during recreation therapy groups
  • Attends weekly clinical meetings as scheduled
  • Plan and implement community integration and transition activities
  • Direct, train, and coordinate the work of recreation therapy students, practicum students, and volunteers in therapeutic recreational procedures

What we're looking for: 
  • Strong leadership, planning, and facilitation skills
  • Ability to confidently lead groups of youth with a variety of mental and behavioral health challenges
  • Ability to work independently
  • Knowledge and experience in intervening and de-escalating in crisis or potentially dangerous situations with the ability to safely physically intervene to protect patients from harming themselves or others by following agency policy and procedures

Who should apply?
  • Professionals who have graduated from an accredited Therapeutic Recreation program and have at least 18 months of professional therapeutic recreation experience.
OR
  • Those with an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Applicants must hold a CTRS certification from the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation and be registered with the Washington State Department of Health.


Additional information:
  • Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. 
  • Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Questions? 
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #07916.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
 
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.


Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here(Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.


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Salary : $4,517 - $6,075

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