Recreation Therapy Aide

State of Montana • Helena, MT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as a Recreation Therapy Aide at Montana State Hospital - Grasslands. This position is located in Helena, MT at the Grasslands facility, which is an off-site facility of the Montana State Hospital. It is funded through June 30, 2027. After this date, the position may be funded permanently or may be subject to a reduction in force (RIF). Recreation Therapy Aides (RTA) plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities that meet the diverse preferences and interests of the patients. Therapeutic activities are facilitated by RTA staff on unit as well as off unit in designated treatment areas to include campus-wide events, large and small group activities, and assigned individualized sessions.

Requirements

• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses as well as developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities.
• Knowledge and experience planning and facilitating a variety of social and recreational activities to include fitness, arts and crafts, sports, social leisure, recreation, hobbies, and music.
• Knowledge of application and use of a variety of recreation and fitness equipment.
• Skill using motivational techniques to encourage patient involvement in treatment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with patients requiring different degrees of assistance.
• Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information according to HIPPA policy and procedure.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete the essential functions including using spreadsheet, word processing, data base, e-mail, internet, and other computer programs.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience working as a psychiatric technician is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities that meet the diverse preferences and interests of the patients.
• Facilitate therapeutic activities on unit as well as off unit in designated treatment areas.
• Organize campus-wide events, large and small group activities, and assigned individualized sessions.

Benefits

• healthcare coverage
• retirement plans
• paid vacation
• sick leave
• holidays
• work/life balance
• eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

What This Job Offers

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