DSHS Steilacoom Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3

Full Job Description

DSHS Steilacoom - Recreation And Athletics Specialist 3
Imagine stepping into a role where your resourcefulness, caring energy, and inclusive people skills bring real joy and purpose to others. As a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3, you’ll design and lead activities that spark connection, movement, and fun—everything from fitness and sports to music, drama, and social events. Beyond planning great programs, you’ll help people heal, build confidence, and feel like they truly belong.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is looking for an engaging, reliable, and organized Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3 to join our team at the Behavioral Health and Treatment Center - Steilacoom Unit in Lakewood, WA. Steilacoom Unit provides competency restoration treatment to residents in a 30-bed residential treatment facility. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to provide innovative recreational and leisure activities for individuals working on their mental health, and you’ll be a big part of helping them feel joy, grow their confidence, and try new things.

This is a hands-on, heart-led role for someone who can be calm during tough moments, organized when things get busy, and always ready to encourage others. You’ll be working with people who need patience, kindness, and a bit of creativity to help them feel at home in the world again.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:


Some of what you will do:

• Develop a schedule of recreational activities to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of individual clients or groups of clients.
• Complete Recreation Therapy assessments for a designated caseload of clients.
• Plan, organized, and directed part of the recreation program including group or individual activities, and special events for clients in the facility.
• Work in one or more skill areas, directing, conducting, or instructing in programs of sports, social activities, drama, music, literature, and arts and crafts.
• Confer with clinical or other staff members to determine recreation programs for individual clients or groups, as well as participate in meetings and conferences with the Interdisciplinary Team.
• Initiate requisitions and distribute recreation materials and equipment for the recreation program.

Who should apply?
Professionals with the following:

• 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

• Two years of paid, professional recreation experience.

OR

• One year of experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 2.

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

Knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Activity planning skills – You know how to design fun and meaningful programs for people with different interests and abilities.
• Calm in tough situations – You can safely de-escalate tense moments and work with individuals who are upset or distressed.
• Understanding of mental health – You’re familiar with recovery principles and know how to support those experiencing mental illness.
• Clear communication – You can explain things in a calm, respectful way to residents, teammates, and supervisors.
• Recreation therapy knowledge – You understand how games, art, and movement help people heal, grow, and connect.
• Safe and clean practices – You follow health and safety rules, including infection control and food handling.

Additional information:

• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• 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.

Interested?
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #02670.


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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