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Posted: February 20, 2026 (1 day ago)

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DSHS ESH Recreation & Athletics Specialist 2

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$4,027 - $5,398

per month

Closes

March 2, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves planning and leading recreational activities like sports, arts, music, and social events for patients at a state behavioral health hospital to help them build social, emotional, and physical skills.

You'll work closely with a rehabilitation team to tailor activities to patients' needs and document their progress.

It's a great fit for creative, compassionate people with experience in therapeutic recreation who enjoy facilitating group activities in a mental health setting.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in recreation, therapeutic recreation, music, drama, physical education, psychology, sociology, or education with a relevant minor
  • One year of paid professional recreation experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • One year of experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 1 (or equivalent)
  • Skill in group facilitation and developing therapeutic relationships
  • Knowledge of mental illness and recovery principles
  • Ability to communicate effectively with management, peers, and patients
  • Ability to work with patients exhibiting challenging behaviors in a therapeutic manner

Full Job Description

DSHS ESH Recreation & Athletics Specialist 2

Join the Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA) and make a positive impact within our community by becoming a Recreation and Athletic Specialist and help shape the future of behavioral health services in Washington State.

Be part of our team at the Eastern State Hospital located in Medical Lake, WA.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to use your creativity as you provide innovative recreational and leisure activities that include sports, social activities, drama, arts, and music.

Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm Monday- Friday

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.



Some of what you'll do:

  • Plan, organize, and implement recreational/leisure-based group/1:1 activities to meet specific needs, interests, and abilities of the patients.
  • Organize, plan, and implement special events.
  • Assist patients in gaining skills through day-to-day social activities.
  • Document patient response to activities, and special events.
  • Collaborate with Rehab Team to determine the group's needs.
  • Lead 20-25 hours of structured recreation groups.
  • Facilitate improvement of social, cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning abilities.
  • Recognize and assess situations that may require immediate intervention.

What we're looking for:

  • Be skillful in group facilitation and developing therapeutic relationships.
  • Knowledge of mental illness and recovery principles.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with management, peers, and patients.
  • Be skilled in managing self in a compassionate, professional, organized, time-sensitive, flexible manner with a willingness to learn on the job.
  • Ability to work with patients with challenging behaviors in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner.
  • Be an advocate for Recreation services and the benefits it provides.

Who should apply?

Professionals with a Bachelor's degree involving major study in either (a) recreation or therapeutic recreation, (b) music, drama, or physical education, or (c) psychology, sociology, or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music or drama and one year of paid, professional recreation experience.

Or, One year of experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 1.

Or, Equivalent combination of education/experience.


Questions? Email saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference 01298.

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.

Additional 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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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/20/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/21/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5241340