Recreation Specialist - STAR Center

DESC-posted 3 days ago
Full-time • Entry Level
Onsite • Seattle, WA
501-1,000 employees
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The Recreation Specialist is responsible for planning and implementing on-site group activities, outings, and other programming that address the emotional, social, and practical needs of guests staying at the STAR Center, with the goal of encouraging optimal levels of physical and psychosocial functioning. The Recreation Specialist will be responsible for both directly facilitating groups and activities and establishing partnerships with guests who can provide skilled services that meet the needs of STAR guests. Desired activities can range from on-site support groups, community meetings and art classes to foodbank runs and cooking classes. Desired partnerships can range from barbers providing haircuts to structured visits from therapy animals. The Recreation Specialist will work with the Program Coordinator to carry out all logistical and technical responsibilities related to the implementation, documentation, and evaluation of planned programming; this includes scheduling, tracking attendance and other metrics, coordinating staff support, soliciting guest and staff input, and procuring any needed supplies. This position is part of a multi-disciplinary team that works with behavioral health and other providers to meet the unique needs and circumstances of homeless and unstably housed individuals staying at the STAR. Collaboration is critical to the success of this role.

  • Identify, plan, and implement on-site group activities and outings that address the needs and interests of guests staying at the STAR Center, under the guidance and directive of program leadership.
  • Utilize creative problem-solving and cross-team collaboration to develop a wide, diverse range of recreational therapy treatment services and activities that address STAR clients’ emotional, social, and practical needs. Ensure that STAR services and programming support guests in developing skills that promote emotional resiliency, such as stress reduction, healthy conflict resolution, positive relationship development and maintenance, coping with loss, recovery support, and other relevant topics.
  • Work in collaboration with other DESC staff to directly facilitate support groups and lead planned activities.
  • Develop partnerships with guests and organizations that can provide specialized support or skilled services that meet the needs and interests of STAR guests.
  • Carry out technical and logistical duties related to scheduling, transportation, purchasing, and other administrative tasks to ensure that programming is well-attended by STAR guests. This includes creating monthly calendars, procuring supplies needed for activities or outings on a limited budget, and other duties to ensure that logistical needs associated with recreational program planning and development are met.
  • Organize community meetings and other avenues for receiving STAR clients’ input and feedback on STAR programming. Identify strategies to incorporate guests’ feedback and work with STAR leadership to modify future programming based on recommendations from guests and other DESC providers.
  • Utilize motivational interviewing and other strength-based strategies to encourage voluntary guest participation in STAR programming. Support fellow STAR staff in identifying strategies to encourage voluntary guest attendance.
  • Identify barriers to guest program participation and work with STAR staff and other DESC providers to mitigate barriers to client participation.
  • Document guests’ participation in activities and one-on-one interactions with guests in accordance with DESC’s documentation standards.
  • Identify and track quantitative and qualitative metrics for evaluating program success on an ongoing basis. Provide quarterly write-ups that summarize activities and evaluation results for Housing department leadership.
  • Participate in verbal de-escalation to maintain a safe, secure environment as needed.
  • Provide on-site support to other DESC colleagues as needed.
  • Promote integration through DESC and the community at large.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the STAR Center.
  • EITHER: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreational Therapy / Leisure Studies or other related field.
  • OR: Two (2) or more years of relevant professional experience working directly with unsheltered adults facing significant untreated and undertreated challenges related to mental health and substance use in a strength-based, trauma-informed setting.
  • Two (2) or more years of professional experience in community-based behavioral health services, preferably in a strength-based, trauma-informed setting.
  • Demonstrated experience with group facilitation or leading group activities.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills to plan, implement, and document planned programming.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills that meet DESC’s documentation and reporting standards.
  • Experience working with adults experiencing chronic homelessness, severe mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or co-occurring conditions.
  • Strong knowledge of Recovery Principles, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, and other evidence-based practices in behavioral health.
  • In-depth understanding of the value of client partnerships and client choice.
  • Passion and ability to work effectively with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional mental health/substance use disorder programs, with willingness to understand each client's unique circumstances and personal preferences and goals.
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff and clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients
  • Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle to conduct agency-related business. A current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record are required.
  • Ability to work flexible hours as required by program and staffing needs including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as needed.
  • Ability to pass Washington State Criminal background check.
  • Licensure: Current Washington State CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) registration (or eligible for certification) preferred. (Eligibility for) Licensed AAC credential or any superseding credential meeting RCW 71.05.020 requirements as a Mental Health Professional and two years of relevant experience with facilitating group activities may be substituted.
  • Demonstrated experience leading teams or groups in clinical contexts.
  • Experience with planning and developing programs or activities.
  • Professional experience in utilizing motivational interviewing and other strength-based interventions.
  • Strong knowledge of relevant community resources and methods for accessing them.
  • Demonstrated skills in crisis intervention and stabilization.
  • Experience or knowledge of how to conduct meaningful and thorough program evaluation.
  • Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage)
  • Dental
  • Life
  • Long-term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • ORCA card subsidy
  • Paid Time Off (34 days per year)
  • Retirement Plan
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