DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 In Training
State of Washington
Posted: February 20, 2026 (1 day ago)
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State of Washington
Dept. of Social and Health Services
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$4,027 - $5,398
per month
Type
Closes
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.
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- FridaySome of what you'll do:
What we're looking for:
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.
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.
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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