Recreational Activities Specialist 2026-01526

Recreational Activities Specialist 2026-01526

Salary

$27.39 - $30.43 Hourly

Location

Evanston, WY

Job Type

Permanent Full-time

Job Number

2026-01526

Department

Department Of Health

Division

Wyoming State Hospital

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Job Classification

HSRA07

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Identify client-specific strengths and needs through formal assessment, develop and carry out therapeutic interventions consistent with the clients' needs and interests and provide treatment services, using a variety of techniques, to address areas of need and promote positive change to increase success in the community upon discharge.

Join our team at the Wyoming State Hospital and fulfill your passion for serving others and making a difference in your community while starting a career in state government. The city of Evanston is a small, Rocky Mountain community that is a 45-minute drive from the world-famous ski slopes of Park City, Utah. The area surrounding Evanston is excellent for recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays

• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future

• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options

Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Brenda Hales - brenda.hales@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Assists with the development and administration of the recreational program for the facility utilizing various forms of recreation to meet the physical, cognitive, and sensory needs of the individuals served.
• Plans and conducts activities and community integration outings that enable people to learn and practice mobility and cognitive, social, and emotional skills to get the most out of life and integrate with the public.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates care plans for clients, including 1:1 and group interventions to meet the needs of the patients in a mental health clinical setting.
• Documents data in a clients medical record, noting progress toward treatment objectives.
• Monitors participants during recreational activities to ensure institutional safety.
• Assesses the clients needs and interests to develop specific programming to promote positive change through therapeutic groups and individual sessions.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Completion of an internship in Recreation Therapy that meets NCTRC requirements.

Will allow up to one year to obtain a CTRS credential from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of recreational therapy practice, principles, and procedures.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to the area of specialization.
• Knowledge of recreational materials, tools, and equipment, and their care and use.
• Knowledge of the rules and procedures for a wide variety of team and individual sports and games.
• Knowledge of individual and group work techniques used in recreational instruction and organization.
• Knowledge of community resources available to the recreation program of the institution.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelors Degree (typically in Recreation Therapy)

Experience:

0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in recreational therapy)

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in recreational therapy)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

CTRS certification, or CTRS certification obtained within one year of employment

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Physical ability to lift, twist, bend, pull and push up to 50 lbs.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• A background check, including the taking of fingerprints, will be completed through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for every successful applicant.
• Pre-employment drug testing will be conducted for every successful applicant.
• The Wyoming Department of Health offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, life, and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, a state retirement plan, a deferred compensation program, and longevity pay.
• The Wyoming State Hospital uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
• A current Influenza Vaccination may be required.
• Employees of this facility will be expected to follow all rules and requirements established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding COVID-19.

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03

(HSRA07) How many years of relevant work experience or transferable skills do you have related to the job description?

• No relevant experience, but willing to learn.
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to less than two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Two (2) to less than three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Three (3) or more years of relevant experience.

04

(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.

05

• (HSRA07) Can you obtain the CTRS certification from the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) within one year of employment?
• Yes
• No

06

• (HSRA07) Have you completed an internship in Recreation Therapy that meets NCTRC requirements?
• Yes
• No

07

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

08

(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

09

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.

10

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

11

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans preference status. By requesting veterans preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

12

(A2) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Wyoming

Address Human Resource Contact Information located in the

General Description Section

Statewide, Wyoming, 82002

Phone 307-777-7188

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm