Job Description
Job ID: 36547
Agency: Department of Social Services / Human Services Center / Geriatric Program
Location:Yankton, SDSalary: $24.76 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Social Services. For more information on the DSS, please visit https://dss.sd.gov .
Summary:
As a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, you will work with nursing home residents, promoting social interactions, opportunities for leisure, and personal wellness through meaningful, activity-based interventions. In this role, you will create engaging experiences, support wellbeing for the whole self, and contribute to a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
Make an impact where it matters most. As a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, you'll work with individuals across the lifespan, helping them build confidence, develop coping skills, and rediscover joy through meaningful, activity-based interventions. In this dynamic role, no two days are the same, you'll create engaging experiences, support personal growth, and contribute to a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
This position is primarily Monday-Friday, with flexible hours between 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. depending on program needs, along with a holiday rotation. The full-time position will work 40 hours per week.
If you are passionate about making a difference and thrive in a role that blends consistency with flexibility and creativity, come join our team as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist!
Licenses and Certifications:
CNA certification or ability to pass CNA certification required
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
• a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or a related health or human services field preferred;
• minimum of 2 years of experience working as a CNA in a nursing home or 1 year of experience leading therapeutic activity groups within a behavioral health or healthcare setting;
• qualifying experience leading therapeutic activity groups must include participation in treatment planning, documentation, and therapeutic group facilitation under recreational therapist guidance, with demonstrated competency in therapeutic recreation programming;
• experience working in a nursing home with people with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of:
• mental illness, dementia care and treatment techniques;
• principles of human development;
• assessment and documentation methods;
• therapeutic process and group facilitation;
• treatment planning;
• leisure skills and leisure education.
Skill to:
• plan, organize, and facilitate therapeutic recreation groups and individual sessions to address residents' social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual needs related to maintaining quality of life.
Ability to:
• work effectively with residents of varying backgrounds, temperaments, and abilities in a therapeutic environment;
• establish and maintain professional relationships with residents and staff;
• collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team and provide therapeutic recreation input and recommendations;
• attend all required Therapeutic Recreation events, meetings, and training;
• manage time effectively and prioritize responsibilities;
• communicate and document information clearly and accurately;
• serve as a positive role model;
• demonstrate creativity and adaptability in programming;
• drive a van for community outings;
• be physically active, which may include swimming, running, jumping, bending, and lifting;
• effectively communicate with Supervisor and Activity Center Coordinator regarding any problems, questions, or concerns.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.
Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4AZ
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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