DSHS BHHA Recreation and Athletics Specialist 2
State of Washington, Bay View, WA, United States
Specialist 2 – Recreation and Athletics Specialist 2 (RAS2)
Join our team as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 2 (RAS2) at our newest behavioral health treatment campus, Maple Lane, near Centralia, WA. Maple Lane Behavioral Health Treatment Center offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed or adjudicated not guilty by reason of mental diagnosis. Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State's vision of community‑based care.
Some of What You’ll Do
Plan, lead, document and evaluate recreational activities and resident’s progress.
Supervise athletic, weightlifting, fitness, music, and hobby programs, as well as special recreation events.
Conduct all recreational activities safely and securely.
Provide health and wellness information and encourage sportsmanship and positive interactions.
Provide guidance and counseling to residents regarding recreation programs.
Assist in securing resources and equipment for designated areas.
Facilitate improvement of social, cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning.
Identify specific resident needs, treatment, and rehabilitation goals and how to achieve them through recreation sources.
Attend recreation‑based staff‑escorted community outings.
Who Should Apply? Professionals with a bachelor’s degree involving major study in either
(a) recreation or therapeutic recreation,
(b) music, drama, or physical education, or
(c) psychology, sociology, or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music or drama
AND
One year of paid, professional recreation experience
OR
One year of experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 1
OR
Equivalent education or experience may substitute for above qualifications.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of behavioral health and recovery principles.
Ability to plan, organize, and lead recreation programs and activities.
Leadership skills that allow you to effectively instruct others in a way that promotes a positive learning environment.
Ability to work within a team, and resolve personal conflicts in a calm, non‑threatening manner.
Ability to respond appropriately and cope with occasionally abusive, harassing, or threatening language and/or aggressive behavior from residents.
Knowledgeable of psychiatric symptoms.
Demonstrate a capacity for compassion and curiosity towards residents.
Additional 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 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.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement 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.
Benefits More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Questions? Please reach out to the DSHS Recruiter at alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number
#01395 .
Updated 01‑07‑2026
Qualification Check Which of the following best describes your qualifications for this position? (Select one)
I have a bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Education) and at least one year of paid, professional recreation experience.
I have one year of experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 1.
I have an equivalent combination of education and experience related to this position.
Required Question
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Some of What You’ll Do
Plan, lead, document and evaluate recreational activities and resident’s progress.
Supervise athletic, weightlifting, fitness, music, and hobby programs, as well as special recreation events.
Conduct all recreational activities safely and securely.
Provide health and wellness information and encourage sportsmanship and positive interactions.
Provide guidance and counseling to residents regarding recreation programs.
Assist in securing resources and equipment for designated areas.
Facilitate improvement of social, cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning.
Identify specific resident needs, treatment, and rehabilitation goals and how to achieve them through recreation sources.
Attend recreation‑based staff‑escorted community outings.
Who Should Apply? Professionals with a bachelor’s degree involving major study in either
(a) recreation or therapeutic recreation,
(b) music, drama, or physical education, or
(c) psychology, sociology, or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music or drama
AND
One year of paid, professional recreation experience
OR
One year of experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 1
OR
Equivalent education or experience may substitute for above qualifications.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of behavioral health and recovery principles.
Ability to plan, organize, and lead recreation programs and activities.
Leadership skills that allow you to effectively instruct others in a way that promotes a positive learning environment.
Ability to work within a team, and resolve personal conflicts in a calm, non‑threatening manner.
Ability to respond appropriately and cope with occasionally abusive, harassing, or threatening language and/or aggressive behavior from residents.
Knowledgeable of psychiatric symptoms.
Demonstrate a capacity for compassion and curiosity towards residents.
Additional 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 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.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement 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.
Benefits More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Questions? Please reach out to the DSHS Recruiter at alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number
#01395 .
Updated 01‑07‑2026
Qualification Check Which of the following best describes your qualifications for this position? (Select one)
I have a bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Education) and at least one year of paid, professional recreation experience.
I have one year of experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 1.
I have an equivalent combination of education and experience related to this position.
Required Question
#J-18808-Ljbffr