DSHS ESH Recreation Therapist 2

고용형태: Full Time - Permanent

SeattleKR Job Analysis

DSHS ESH Recreation Therapist 2

Key Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills

Provide Recreation Therapy assessments

Develop clinical programs (individualized treatment, groups, off-campus outings)

Document and evaluate patient treatment outcomes

Organize treatment using resources (gym, wellness center, healing gardens)

Serve on committees as rehabilitation representative

Knowledge of behavioral health and recovery principles

Soft Skills

Experience in de-escalating clients

Ability to work therapeutically with diverse patients

Leadership and facilitation skills

Understanding of group behavior and dynamics

Commitment to fairness, access, and social justice

Qualifications

Graduated from accredited Therapeutic Recreation Program

CTRS Certification (NCTRC)

Washington State Department of Health registration

Ability to obtain WA State Food Handler’s Card

Valid driver's license for state business

Liability insurance on private vehicle (if applicable)

Equivalent experience/education combination

Physical Requirements

No specific physical requirements mentioned in the job description.

Sample Interview Questions and Answers

Question 1: Describe your experience in conducting Recreation Therapy assessments to determine a patient's readiness for community reintegration, including the criteria you use to evaluate patient progress.

In my previous role at a psychiatric rehabilitation center, I conducted comprehensive assessments using standardized tools such as the Community Integration Measure (CIM) and the Outcomes and Assessment Information Set (OASIS). I evaluated patients' functional abilities, social skills, and coping mechanisms through observations, interviews, and collaboration with other team members. For example, I developed a tiered readiness framework that included milestones like independent participation in group activities, successful completion of off-campus outings, and demonstrated ability to manage stress in public settings. This approach allowed me to tailor reintegration plans to individual needs while ensuring safety and therapeutic goals were met.

Question 2: How would you design a clinical recreation program that incorporates on-site resources such as a gym, wellness center, and healing gardens, while addressing the therapeutic needs of patients with behavioral health challenges?

I would start by conducting a needs assessment with the interdisciplinary team to identify patient goals and therapeutic objectives. For example, I might create a program that combines physical activity in the gym with mindfulness exercises in the healing gardens to address both physical health and emotional regulation. I would structure group activities to promote social skills and peer support, such as team sports in the gym or art therapy in the craft rooms. Additionally, I would ensure that all activities are trauma-informed and include de-escalation strategies, such as designated quiet spaces in the wellness center for patients needing a break from overstimulating environments.

Question 3: Can you provide an example of a time when you had to intervene in a group therapy session to de-escalate a challenging situation, and how did you ensure the safety of all participants while maintaining the therapeutic focus?

During a group session at my previous position, a patient became agitated due to a disagreement with another participant, leading to raised voices and physical tension. I immediately used a calm, firm tone to redirect the group's attention to a breathing exercise, which helped lower the emotional intensity. I then privately spoke with the agitated patient to understand their perspective and address any unmet needs, while reassuring the group that their safety was a priority. After restoring calm, I facilitated a discussion about respectful communication and incorporated a role-playing activity to reinforce positive interaction skills. This approach maintained the therapeutic focus while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

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 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.

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.

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

접수기간/방법

7일 09:30:37

시작일 12/2/2025 (화)

마감일 1/1/2026 (목)

11:59 PM 마감

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