$4,428.00 - $5,956.00 Monthly

DSHS ESH Recreation Therapist 2

Dept. of Social and Health Services
Medical Lake, WA
고용형태: Full Time - Permanent

SeattleKR Job Analysis

DSHS ESH Recreation Therapist 2

Key Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills

Provide Recreation Therapy assessments for patients
Develop clinical programs and treatment groups
Organize off-campus outings for Community Reintegration
Document and evaluate patient treatment outcomes
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics
De-escalation techniques for clients
Familiarity with behavioral health issues and recovery principles
Leadership and facilitation skills for treatment activities

Soft Skills

Ability to work with patients in a therapeutic manner
Effective communication and teamwork
Adaptability in dynamic treatment environments
Empathy and patience in patient interactions
Leadership in organizing and facilitating programs

Qualifications

Graduated from an accredited Therapeutic Recreation Program
CTRS Certification from NCTRC
Registration with Washington State Department of Health
Ability to obtain WA State Food Handler’s Card within 14 days
Equivalent combination of experience/education

Physical Requirements

No specific physical requirements mentioned in the job description.

Sample Interview Questions and Answers

Question 1: Describe your approach to assessing a patient's readiness for community reintegration, including how you evaluate their needs and determine appropriate therapeutic interventions.

To assess readiness for community reintegration, I begin by conducting a comprehensive evaluation using standardized tools such as the Community Integration Measure (CIM) or the Outcomes and Assessment Information Set (OASIS). I collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to gather input on the patient's functional abilities, mental health status, and social support systems. I also observe the patient's behavior during group activities and off-campus outings to assess their ability to navigate real-world environments. Based on this data, I develop individualized treatment plans that may include structured skill-building activities, gradual exposure to community settings, and collaboration with community resources to ensure a safe and effective transition. Regular reassessments are conducted to monitor progress and adjust interventions as needed.

Question 2: How would you design and implement a recreation therapy program that incorporates both individualized treatment and group-based activities to meet the diverse needs of psychiatric patients?

I would start by conducting a needs assessment to identify the unique therapeutic goals of each patient, considering factors such as their diagnosis, interests, and level of functioning. For individualized treatment, I would create personalized activity plans that align with their recovery goals, such as art therapy for emotional expression or physical activities to improve motor skills. For group-based activities, I would design structured programs that promote social skills, peer support, and teamwork, such as group cooking classes or outdoor adventure therapy. I would ensure that all activities are trauma-informed and culturally sensitive, incorporating feedback from patients and staff. I would also leverage available resources like the gym, healing gardens, and craft rooms to create engaging and therapeutic experiences. Ongoing evaluation of program effectiveness would be conducted through patient feedback and outcome tracking.

Question 3: Explain how you would document and evaluate a patient's response to a recreation therapy treatment plan, and how this data would inform ongoing care.

I would document the patient's response using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including progress notes, standardized assessment tools, and direct observation. For example, I would track improvements in specific areas such as participation in activities, emotional regulation, and social interactions. Data would be recorded in the electronic health record (EHR) system, ensuring consistency and accessibility for the interdisciplinary team. Evaluation would involve comparing pre- and post-treatment outcomes, identifying patterns in the patient's behavior, and assessing the effectiveness of interventions. This data would then be used to adjust the treatment plan, set new goals, and communicate with the care team to ensure a holistic approach. Regular case conferences would be held to review progress and make data-driven decisions about the patient's care trajectory.

Original Job Description

Description

DSHS ESH Recreation Therapist 2

 

Join the Rehabilitation Department at Eastern State Hospital where you are a valued member of our team, with the opportunity to strengthen Recreation Therapy  in a psychiatric setting. You will serve as an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team providing comprehensive Recreation Therapy services.

We offer job stability, a meaningful career, internal promotional opportunities, and flexibility of hours in a 40-hour work week. Retirement and benefits are ideal — start a long-term career that supports a healthy work-life balance. 

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'll do:   

  • Provide Recreation Therapy assessments for patients throughout the hospital.
  • Assess patients to determine readiness for Community Reintegration.
  • Develop Recreation Therapy clinical programs, including individualized treatment, active treatment groups, and regular off-campus outings for Community Reintegration.
  • Collaborate to organize active treatment with access to resources including a full-size gym, wellness center, state-operated library, craft rooms, wood shop, bowling alley, and healing gardens.
  • Document and evaluate the patient's response/outcomes to their treatment plan.
  • Serve as a member of committees as an appointed representative of rehabilitation services

 Who should apply? Professionals who have: 

  • Graduated from an accredited Therapeutic Recreation Program
  • Applicants must hold CTRS Certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 
  • Must register with the Washington State Department of Health as a Recreation Therapist
  • Ability to obtain WA State Food Handler’s Card within 14 days of employment

 Note: Equivalent combination or experience/education What we're looking for:   

  • Working knowledge of group behavior and dynamics
  • Experience in intervening and de-escalating clients
  • Ability to work with all patients in a therapeutic manner
  • Knowledge of behavioral health issues and recovery principles
  • Leadership, planning, and facilitation skills

How to apply:
 
Please attach Letter of interest and Resume to this application. 
 
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. 

Questions? Please contact alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 07953.

Supplemental Information

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 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. 

 
 
DSHS ESH Recreation Therapist 2 description image
 E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

접수기간/방법

709:30:37
시작일 11/7/2025 (금)
마감일 11/30/2025 (일)
11:59 PM 마감
홈페이지 지원
홈페이지 지원 클릭수: 3