DSHS OHBH Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3

DSHS Recreation & Athletics Specialist 3

DSHS’s Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH) in Tukwila, WA is seeking a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3 to join the Rehabilitation Department and support programming within the Treatment Mall.

A Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3 develops and facilitates recreational and leisure-based programming that supports patient engagement, skill building, and overall wellness. This role includes planning and leading activities such as sports, fitness, arts, and social programming, while supporting a structured therapeutic environment for adults receiving inpatient psychiatric care. Services are primarily delivered within the Treatment Mall, an off-ward multipurpose therapeutic space.

Reporting to the Therapies Supervisor, with oversight from the Chief Clinical Officer, this position collaborates with Behavioral Health Specialists, psychology associates, and the broader multidisciplinary team to support individualized recovery and engagement.

Possible schedules for this position include Sunday-Wednesday, Wednesday- Saturday, or Friday-Monday. 

King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. Positions performed on-site at this work location at least three days per week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Some of what you will do:

• Develop and facilitate recreational programming based on patient needs, interests, and abilities 
• Plan and lead group and individual activities, including sports, fitness, arts, and special events 
• Provide structured engagement services that support patient participation and skill development 
• Collaborate with clinical staff and participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning 
• Support crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts as needed 
• Complete required documentation, including attendance and patient response to programming 
• Ability to obtain Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration and Washington State Food Worker card within 30 days of employment

We are looking for: 

• Experience planning and facilitating group activities, including large groups 
• Ability to support patients during behavioral crises using therapeutic and program-approved approaches 
• Knowledge of a range of recreational activities, such as fitness, sports, arts, and social programming 
• Experience working with adults with mental illness, preferably in an inpatient setting 
• Ability to respond effectively to emergency situations 
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team 

Who should apply? 
Professionals with the following:

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in:
  
  • Recreation or therapeutic recreation OR
    
  • Music/drama, or physical education OR
    
  • Psychology, sociology, or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music, or drama 

AND

• Two years of paid professional recreation experience
  

OR

• One year of experience as a WA State Recreation Athletic Specialist 2
  

Questions? 
Email DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 04468.


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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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 protect¬ed 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.
 
  
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Salary : $4,320 - $5,812