Recreational Activities Specialist 2026-01526

General Description

Identify client-specific strengths and needs through formal assessment, develop and carry out therapeutic interventions consistent with the clients’ needs and interests and provide treatment services, using a variety of techniques, to address areas of need and promote positive change to increase success in the community upon discharge.

Join our team at the Wyoming State Hospital and fulfill your passion for serving others and making a difference in your community while starting a career in state government. The city of Evanston is a small, Rocky Mountain community that is a 45-minute drive from the world-famous ski slopes of Park City, Utah. The area surrounding Evanston is excellent for recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options

Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

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Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Essential Functions

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Assists with the development and administration of the recreational program for the facility utilizing various forms of recreation to meet the physical, cognitive, and sensory needs of the individuals served.
• Plans and conducts activities and community integration outings that enable people to learn and practice mobility and cognitive, social, and emotional skills to get the most out of life and integrate with the public.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates care plans for clients, including 1:1 and group interventions to meet the needs of the patients in a mental health clinical setting.
• Documents data in a client's medical record, noting progress toward treatment objectives.
• Monitors participants during recreational activities to ensure institutional safety.
• Assesses the client's needs and interests to develop specific programming to promote positive change through therapeutic groups and individual sessions.

Preferences/agency Requirements

• Completion of an internship in Recreation Therapy that meets NCTRC requirements.
• Will allow up to one year to obtain a CTRS credential from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Knowledge

• Knowledge of recreational therapy practice, principles, and procedures.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to the area of specialization.
• Knowledge of recreational materials, tools, and equipment, and their care and use.
• Knowledge of the rules and procedures for a wide variety of team and individual sports and games.
• Knowledge of individual and group work techniques used in recreational instruction and organization.
• Knowledge of community resources available to the recreation program of the institution.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Recreation Therapy)

Experience

0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in recreational therapy)

Education & Experience Substitution

3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in recreational therapy)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

CTRS certification, or CTRS certification obtained within one year of employment

Physical Working Conditions

• Physical ability to lift, twist, bend, pull and push up to 50 lbs.

Notes

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• A background check, including the taking of fingerprints, will be completed through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for every successful applicant.
• Pre-employment drug testing will be conducted for every successful applicant.
• The Wyoming Department of Health offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, life, and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, a state retirement plan, a deferred compensation program, and longevity pay.
• The Wyoming State Hospital uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
• A current Influenza Vaccination may be required.
• Employees of this facility will be expected to follow all rules and requirements established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding COVID-19.

• Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.
• Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.