DSHS WSH Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3

DSHS Recreation & Athletics Specialist 3

DSHS’s Western State Hospital (WSH) in Lakewood, WA is seeking a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3 to join the Rehabilitation Therapy team in the Civil Ward.

The Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3, with supervision from the Rehab Therapy Supervisor, will plan, implement, document, and direct active treatment of therapeutic music groups/activities and recreational programming to patients at Western State Hospital (WSH) in the Habilitative Mental Health program. This position plans, organizes and directs a major segment of the therapeutic music programming for WSH, serving as a member of the interdisciplinary team. 

The RAS3 will be facilitating therapeutic groups and providing habilitative therapy services — including mental health treatment, counseling, and coaching — to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) who have co-occurring major mental disorders and/or severe challenging behaviors 

The schedule for this position is Tuesday - Saturday 9:30AM - 6:00PM with Sundays and Mondays OFF. 

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.

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 

We are looking for: 

• Experience planning and facilitating group activities, including large groups 
• Experience supporting individuals in developing self-management and independent living skills to promote successful community transition and discharge is preferred
• 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

The Recreation & Athletics Specialist must have the ability to obtain Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration and Washington State Food Worker card within 30 days of employment

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 07107.


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 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. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position. 

 
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Salary : $4,406 - $5,928