DSHS Lakeland Recreation & Athletics Specialist 2

Full Job Description

Recreation & Athletics Specialist 2 - Nursing Facility

At Lakeland Village, we believe joy is powerful. Every day, you’ll help people with developmental disabilities experience that joy through recreation, movement, and creativity.

Whether you’re leading an art project, organizing a team game, or supporting a quiet walk outdoors, your work helps each person grow stronger, build confidence, and have fun.

This role combines creativity, compassion, and teamwork. You’ll plan and lead activities, support daily needs, and help each person reach goals that matter to them. You’ll be part of a team that sees recreation as a way to heal, connect, and thrive.

If you enjoy helping others discover what makes them smile, this is a chance to make a lasting difference.

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:

• Create and lead recreation and athletic programs tailored to individual interests and goals.
• Write, monitor, and update recreation plans to reflect each person’s progress and needs.
• Supervise and assist residents during activities and outings, ensuring everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
• Join team meetings to share updates and ideas about residents’ care and recreational progress.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, reports, and activity calendars.
• Suggest new ideas for activities and community involvement opportunities.
• Set up, clean up, and maintain recreation areas and equipment.
• Support daily living needs such as meals, hygiene, or mobility when needed.
• Follow behavior and safety plans, using approved therapeutic methods.
• Report concerns or incidents promptly as a mandatory reporter.
• Work closely with coworkers to provide consistent, compassionate care.

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 education/experience will substitute for all desirable qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Note: Recreational therapy includes providing individualized assessments and treatment which are goal oriented and directed towards rehabilitation and modification of specific physical, emotional, mental or social behaviors.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Creativity: You bring fresh ideas that make recreation meaningful and fun.
• Empathy: You listen, understand, and respond with kindness to each person’s needs.
• Safety awareness: You follow safety rules to keep everyone protected.
• Communication: You speak and write clearly with staff, residents, and the public.
• Respect for diversity: You value and honor differences in culture, ability, and background.
• Adaptability: You adjust plans to meet changing needs or unexpected challenges.
• Observation: You notice details — small changes that help guide better care.

Questions? Email vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference 02546.

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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.

We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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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