Recreation Therapy Aide

State of Montana • Helena, MT

31d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is hiring a Recreation Therapy Aide at Montana State Hospital - Grasslands, an off-site facility of the Montana State Hospital in Helena, Montana. The position is grant funded through June 30, 2027; after that date, it may be funded permanently or may be subject to a reduction in force.

Recreation Therapy Aides plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities that meet patients' varied preferences and interests. Activities are facilitated on patient units and in designated treatment areas off unit, and include campus-wide events, large and small group activities, and assigned individualized sessions.

DPHHS serves Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, and well-being and to empower independence. The department offers opportunities to perform public service and has a range of advancement opportunities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience working as a psychiatric technician.
• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses and developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities.
• Knowledge and experience planning and facilitating activities such as fitness, arts and crafts, sports, social leisure, recreation, hobbies, and music.
• Knowledge of the application and use of a variety of recreation and fitness equipment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with patients who require different degrees of assistance.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information according to HIPAA policy and procedure.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and general office equipment, including spreadsheet, word processing, database, email, internet, and other computer programs.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities that meet patients' diverse preferences and interests.
• Facilitate activities on units and in designated treatment areas off unit.
• Facilitate campus-wide events, large and small group activities, and assigned individualized sessions.
• Use motivational techniques to encourage patient involvement in treatment.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Work/life balance
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
• Advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED