Minnesota Department of Corrections
Recreation Therapist
Minnesota Department of Corrections, Shakopee, Minnesota, United States, 55379
Job Details
Working Title: Recreation Therapist Agency: Corrections Dept Location: Shakopee Date Posted: 12/19/2025 Closing Date: 12/29/2025 Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift/8:00 am – 4:00 pm Days of Work: Tuesday – Saturday Salary: $25.67 – $37.26 per hour; $53,598 – $77,798 annually FLSA Status: Nonexempt Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE Telework Eligible: No Full/Part Time: Full-time
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for the development and implementation of the recreation and leisure programs to meet the specific needs of the incarcerated population at the Minnesota Correction Facility (MCF) – Shakopee. The Recreation Therapist works in conjunction with the Senior Recreation Therapist to conduct recreational assessments, program planning, and instruction of leisure activities. These activities provide recreational alternatives upon release. The position has direct contact with incarcerated individuals.
Minimum Qualifications
One year of experience in recreational therapy, adventure programming, teaching physical education, or leading and designing recreation programs. A bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Physical Education, or closely related field may substitute for one year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Park/Recreation & Leisure, Physical Education, Social Work, or Psychology. First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. Experience working in a correctional setting. National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
Physical Requirements
The selected finalist is required to review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for this position and may be required to complete a tuberculosis screening. For a copy of the PDA, please email Tracy Larsen at tracy.c.larsen@state.mn.us.
Additional Requirements
The selection process may include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations and/or other applicable background information in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy. Top candidate(s) must pass a criminal history check which includes successful completion of all sentencing and/or restitution requirements of law enforcement jurisdictions, including probation. Employment history/reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will also be conducted on the top candidate(s) in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy. New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
Tracy Larsen at tracy.larsen@state.mn.us or 651‑361‑7200.
About Corrections Dept
Go from a job to a meaningful career with the Minnesota Department of Corrections where we work to transform lives for a safer Minnesota! We hold people responsible for the offenses they commit while giving them the tools they need to succeed as they transition back to our communities. Whether a person’s custody status is incarcerated or under our supervision in the community, our mindset is the same: a person’s path to rejoining the community starts on the day they begin serving their sentence. Join our team and enjoy many promotional opportunities, great State benefits, competitive pay, free parking, and workout facilities at most locations.
Benefits
Paid vacation and sick leave 12 paid holidays each year Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
Fertility care, including IVF Diabetes care Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years) Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals
Training, classes, and professional development Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Program and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status, or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other Public Safety
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Working Title: Recreation Therapist Agency: Corrections Dept Location: Shakopee Date Posted: 12/19/2025 Closing Date: 12/29/2025 Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift/8:00 am – 4:00 pm Days of Work: Tuesday – Saturday Salary: $25.67 – $37.26 per hour; $53,598 – $77,798 annually FLSA Status: Nonexempt Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE Telework Eligible: No Full/Part Time: Full-time
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for the development and implementation of the recreation and leisure programs to meet the specific needs of the incarcerated population at the Minnesota Correction Facility (MCF) – Shakopee. The Recreation Therapist works in conjunction with the Senior Recreation Therapist to conduct recreational assessments, program planning, and instruction of leisure activities. These activities provide recreational alternatives upon release. The position has direct contact with incarcerated individuals.
Minimum Qualifications
One year of experience in recreational therapy, adventure programming, teaching physical education, or leading and designing recreation programs. A bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Physical Education, or closely related field may substitute for one year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Park/Recreation & Leisure, Physical Education, Social Work, or Psychology. First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. Experience working in a correctional setting. National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
Physical Requirements
The selected finalist is required to review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for this position and may be required to complete a tuberculosis screening. For a copy of the PDA, please email Tracy Larsen at tracy.c.larsen@state.mn.us.
Additional Requirements
The selection process may include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations and/or other applicable background information in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy. Top candidate(s) must pass a criminal history check which includes successful completion of all sentencing and/or restitution requirements of law enforcement jurisdictions, including probation. Employment history/reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will also be conducted on the top candidate(s) in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy. New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
Tracy Larsen at tracy.larsen@state.mn.us or 651‑361‑7200.
About Corrections Dept
Go from a job to a meaningful career with the Minnesota Department of Corrections where we work to transform lives for a safer Minnesota! We hold people responsible for the offenses they commit while giving them the tools they need to succeed as they transition back to our communities. Whether a person’s custody status is incarcerated or under our supervision in the community, our mindset is the same: a person’s path to rejoining the community starts on the day they begin serving their sentence. Join our team and enjoy many promotional opportunities, great State benefits, competitive pay, free parking, and workout facilities at most locations.
Benefits
Paid vacation and sick leave 12 paid holidays each year Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
Fertility care, including IVF Diabetes care Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years) Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals
Training, classes, and professional development Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Program and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status, or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other Public Safety
#J-18808-Ljbffr