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Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

The Ability Center, Boise, ID, United States


DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND INDEPENDENCE OF IDAHOANS

*THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO BE CONSIDERED.*

Do you love the great outdoors? This might be just the place for you! Orofino is centrally poised to access and play in an outdoor community full of adventurous opportunities of hiking, camping, and backpacking in the national forests, or take advantage of Dworshak Lake and the multiple rivers for fishing, boating and water activities. There are plenty of winter activities to access for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. State Hospital North is a 55 bed, inpatient psychiatric hospital dedicated to treating individuals with mental health needs through a supportive culture of teaming and collaborative recovery-oriented decision‑making.

We are currently hiring (1) full‑time Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, weekdays, to join (2) full‑time Recreation Therapy positions and (2) full‑time Psychiatric Treatment Coordinators. The Therapeutic Recreation Department is well integrated into the fabric of State Hospital North, being referred as “the Heart and Soul” of the hospital. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients as they move toward independence and mental health recovery.

This position is not eligible for telework.

The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare is a drug‑free workplace. Any applicant offered employment in this position at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will be required to pass a pre‑employment drug test. In addition, successful candidates will be required to complete a criminal history background investigation. Employment is dependent upon satisfactory results of the investigation.

BENEFITS The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation and benefits package, including but not limited to:

We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers all lifetime benefit at retirement.

11 paid holidays

Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)

Paid parental leave

Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre‑tax (full‑time/30+ hours per week)

2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre‑tax and Roth options

Deferred compensation plan

Life insurance for self, spouse, and children

Short and long‑term disability insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Wide variety of training opportunities

Some positions offer flexible hours and/or telecommuting

Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility

Employee assistance program

Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Complete assessments identifying patient's social, physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual needs, strengths and abilities related to leisure functioning.

Develop long and short‑term treatment goals centered around patient's goals for recovery.

Collaborate and communicate with interdisciplinary treatment team regarding patient health needs and abilities.

Evaluate progress, plan and implement treatment programming.

Complete timely documentation meeting requirements of policies and procedures.

Facilitate leisure groups and activities in support of patient identified needs and interests to support treatment goals and interventions.

Support hospital's mission, goals and philosophy.

Coordinate and communicate programming needs/plans with identified departments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS You must possess all the minimum qualifications below to pass the exam for this position. Please make sure your resume or work history supports your meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Failure to do this may disqualify you from being considered for this position. It is highly recommended to attach a one‑page cover letter to your application to demonstrate how you meet the requirements below.

Licensed or registered, if applicable, by the State of Idaho; and (ii) is (A) eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990; or (B) has 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, one of which was full‑time in a therapeutic activities program; or (C) is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, Idaho Code 54.3706; or (D) has completed a training course approved by the State. Reference 42 CFR 483.24. This will include having good knowledge of the following: therapeutic recreation theory, practices and methods, recreation activities and equipment and their suitability for handicapped/special‑needs clients, purpose and administration of assessment instruments, human growth and development patterns.

Experience developing recreational therapy treatment goals for clients. Typically gained by at least six months experience developing therapeutic recreation treatment goals for activities related to client skills and needs.

Experience planning and conducting individual and group therapy sessions. Typically gained through at least six months experience plus completion of coursework such as group dynamics, recreational activities, or experiential education; leisure education is also acceptable.

Learn About a Career with DHW

APPLICATION INFORMATION PLEASE NOTE: application assistance is not available after the business hours listed below, on the weekends, or on holidays and you must apply before 11:59 pm on the closing date. When applying, use CHROME as your browser to avoid complications.

CONTACT INFORMATION EMAIL: dhwjobs@dhw.idaho.gov PHONE: (208) 334-0681

EEO/ADA/VETERAN The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov. Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

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