Description
DSHS Steilacoom Recreation and Athletics Specialist 2
We are hiring a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 2 to join the Behavioral Health Treatment Center – Steilacoom Unit in Lakewood. This important role supports the rehabilitation and recovery of residents by planning, organizing, and leading a variety of therapeutic recreational activities and special events.
Working closely with clinical staff, you will facilitate structured group and individual programs that promote residents’ social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. Through skill-building activities in sports, arts, music, and community outings, you will help residents develop essential abilities that support their treatment and successful transition. Your contributions will directly enhance the quality of care and recovery experience in this residential treatment setting.
Some of what you'll do:
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Plan, organize, and implement individual and group therapeutic recreation activities, special events, and programs within the residential treatment facility in coordination with clinical staff.
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Facilitate structured recreation groups weekly, using activities like sports, arts and crafts, and music to support skill development.
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Promote residents’ social, emotional, cognitive, and physical functioning through purposeful recreation interventions.
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Document participation, progress, and outcomes in the approved format and contribute to interdisciplinary treatment planning.
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Coordinate and support rehab-sponsored events, holiday programming, and diversity activities.
- Assist with the orientation of new residents, support volunteers and recreation students, and help maintain program areas and equipment.
- Prepare and submit reports, maintain required documentation, and actively participate in team meetings and program planning.
Skills, knowledge, and abilities we’re looking for:
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Experience in crisis intervention and de-escalating dangerous or high-stress situations.
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Knowledge of residential treatment facility operations, including applicable state and federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
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Understanding of mental illness, behavioral health conditions, and recovery-oriented treatment principles.
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Ability to apply universal precautions and infection control practices in a residential or clinical setting.
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Skill in engaging with challenging or agitated individuals in a calm, therapeutic, and non-threatening manner.
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Strong communication skills to effectively interact with residents, peers, supervisors, and external stakeholders.
Proficiency in operating standard equipment such as computers, copy machines, radios, and patient mobility/lifting devices.
We’re looking for applicants who meet one of the following qualifications:
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A bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the following areas:
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Recreation or therapeutic recreation
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Music, drama, or physical education
- Psychology, sociology, or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music, or drama
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Recreation or therapeutic recreation
- At least one year of paid, professional recreation experience
- One year of experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 1
- An equivalent combination of education and experience
About Behavioral Health Treatment Center - Steilacoom Unit
The Steilacoom Unit is a 30-bed Residential Treatment Facility located on the campus of Western State Hospital in Lakewood, providing court-ordered competency restoration services to individuals who are unable to participate in legal proceedings due to a mental health condition. The unit offers structured therapeutic groups, individual sessions, and medication management to help residents build courtroom understanding, manage symptoms, and strengthen communication skills. The treatment approach follows an evidence-based curriculum designed to support competency restoration. The program is recovery-focused and person-centered, involving residents in their treatment planning and supporting transitions back to the legal system or, when necessary, to longer-term psychiatric care.
Additional information:
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Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday.
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Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
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.
Along with your application, please include:
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An updated resume
Three professional references with contact information
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at [email protected] and reference job number #03867.
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
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 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.
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.
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