Activities Specialist 2
About The Position
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Civil Commitment Unit for Sex Offenders (CCUSO), is seeking an Activities Specialist 2. This full-time role supports CCUSO’s therapeutic mission by providing structured, prosocial, skill-building recreational programming to individuals in a secure treatment environment. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and offers opportunities for advancement, growth, and development. CCUSO provides secure, long-term treatment to individuals who have served prison terms and have been civilly committed after being found likely to reoffend. The facility offers diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative services intended to address conditions that affect the likelihood of reoffending and support release from confinement as quickly as possible. The successful candidate will develop and adapt recreational programming to patients’ needs, support patient aides, maintain documentation and supplies, and collaborate with clinical, security, operational, and administrative staff. Employees must obtain IBTSA SOTP 1 certification within three years of appointment. A background check is required. Depending on the appointing authority, employees in this class may also be required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and endorsements after hire.
Requirements
- Meet at least one of the listed minimum qualification pathways: a four-year degree in a related field plus two years of full-time activities-program work; a total of six years of qualifying education and/or experience; the specified combination of activities-program work, qualifying education/experience, and graduate-level education; or 18 months of full-time work as an Activities Specialist 1 in current, continuous state executive branch employment.
- Obtain IBTSA SOTP 1 certification within three years of appointment.
- Complete a background check as part of consideration for the position.
Responsibilities
- Plan, develop, and deliver therapeutic recreational programs aligned with treatment goals, including arts, sports, wellness, leisure education, skill-building groups, and special events.
- Modify activities to meet diverse physical, cognitive, mental health, and behavioral needs.
- Supervise and coach patient aides, ensure they follow expectations, track work hours, address concerns, and complete performance evaluations.
- Maintain accurate attendance, documentation, activity notes, inventory records, and incident or behavior reports as needed.
- Participate in treatment team and clinical meetings and provide behavioral observations and input regarding patient motivation, risk factors, and progress in activities.
- Manage and organize activity spaces, equipment, and supplies to ensure safe and appropriate use.
- Collaborate with clinical, security, operational, and administrative staff to support coordinated treatment and facility operations.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- IPERS retirement plan
- Retirement Investors Club employer match
- Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
- Life insurance
- Free long-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee discount programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
