| Location | Buffalo, WY |
Recreational Activities Specialist (SNF) 2026-02202
Salary
$27.39 Hourly
Location
Buffalo, WY
Job Type
Permanent Full-time
Job Number
2026-02202
Department
Department Of Health
Division
Skilled Nursing Facility
Opening Date
09/10/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Job Classification
HSRA07
Description and Functions
Open Until Filled
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Veterans' Home of Wyoming is seeking a qualified individual to fill the full-time position of Recreational Activities Specialist. This position is responsible for assisting with the development, implementation, and administration of a comprehensive therapeutic recreation and activities program designed to meet the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and sensory needs of residents.
The Recreational Activities Specialist assigned to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) will provide primary oversight of the therapeutic activities program within the skilled nursing environment. Recognizing that skilled nursing residents may have higher clinical, physical, and cognitive acuity, this position is responsible for ensuring programming is individualized, therapeutic, safe, meaningful, and responsive to each resident's abilities, preferences, and needs.
The position works collaboratively with the Recreational Activities Coordinator, Activities Director, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members, volunteers, and community partners to promote resident well-being, quality of life, independence, social engagement, and community integration.
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 457(b) 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: wdhaginghr@wyo.gov
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that 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 which enable people to learn and practice mobility, cognitive, social and emotional skills so they may 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.
Creates a schedule that includes daily, weekly, monthly and annual recreation/leisure activities for large groups of people.
Monitors participants during recreational activities to ensure institutional safety.
Trains staff in areas of structured leisure and passenger assistance.
Completes regular inventories of supplies and equipment and prepares requests for new or replacement equipment and supplies.
Prepares monthly progress reports as well as daily therapy and recreational attendance documents.
Prepares schedules for staff and therapy sessions.
Organizes volunteers and directs youth workers.
Provide primary day-to-day oversight of recreational programming within the Skilled Nursing Facility.
Plan and execute a comprehensive calendar of group and individual activities specifically tailored to the needs of skilled nursing residents.
Design and facilitate specialized programming for residents with:
Advanced dementia or cognitive impairment
Complex medical conditions
Limited mobility
Sensory impairments
Behavioral or emotional needs
PTSD or trauma-related concerns
Isolation or limited social interaction
Provide structured one-on-one and bedside programming for residents who are bedbound, isolated, unable to participate in group programming, or who require individualized interventions.
Document resident participation and responses to individualized programming and modify interventions as appropriate.
Ensure high-acuity residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in facility activities and special events.
Participate in the completion of activity-related assessments and Minimum Data Set (MDS) requirements, including applicable activities sections, within required timelines.
Ensure activity documentation is maintained in accordance with applicable federal, state, facility, and regulatory requirements.
Actively participate in interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings and resident care plan meetings as required.
Represent the activities department and communicate resident needs, preferences, participation, and progress to the interdisciplinary team.
Work collaboratively with the Director of Nursing (DON), floor nurses, therapy staff, and other team members to coordinate activities around resident care routines, including medication administration, meals, therapy schedules, restorative nursing, and shift changes.
Provide transportation for residents participating in community activities and outings using facility vehicles, including vehicles requiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Ensure appropriate passenger assistance and resident safety during transportation and community outings.
Qualifications
PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
The successful candidate should demonstrate knowledge of:
Individual and group recreational programming techniques.
Recreational materials, tools, equipment, and their proper care and use.
A wide variety of individual and team sports, games, leisure activities, and therapeutic interventions.
Individual and group work techniques used in recreational instruction and organization.
Cognitive, sensory, physical, social, and emotional needs of individuals receiving long-term and skilled nursing care.
Community resources available to support recreational programming.
Emergency procedures, dangerous situations, and appropriate physical responses.
Applicable federal and state regulations related to long-term care activities and documentation.
Resident-centered and trauma-informed approaches to programming and care.
A Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement is preferred.
The successful candidate must possess or obtain a Class B CDL with Passenger Endorsement within six months of employment, if required for assigned transportation duties.
KNOWLEDGE:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Bachelors Degree (typically in Recreation Therapy)
Experience:
0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Recreation Therapy)
OR
Education & Experience Substitution:
3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in recreation Therapy)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical ability to lift, twist, bend, pull and push up to 50 lbs.
Assist residents with mobility and recreational participation.
Respond appropriately to emergencies and potentially dangerous situations.
Work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Work evenings, weekends, holidays, or adjusted schedules when facility needs or programming require.
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.
NOTES:
FLSA: Non-Exempt
A Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement is preferred.
The successful candidate must possess or obtain a Class B CDL with Passenger Endorsement within six months of employment, if required for assigned transportation duties.
Annual influenza immunization is required.
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.
Human Resource Contact: wdhaginghr@wyo.gov
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:
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.)
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.)
03
(HSRA07) How many years of relevant work experience or transferable skills do you have related to the job description?
04
(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.
05
Do you have experience/kownledge in any of the following areas? Check all that apply.
06
07
08
Do you have A Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement?
09
Can you obtain a Class B CDL with Passenger Endorsement within six months of employment, if required for assigned transportation duties?
10
(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?
11
(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.
12
(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.
13
(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 and understand that, if claiming Veterans Preference, I must attach the appropriate supporting documentation to each application I submit in order to receive Veterans Preference.
14
(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.
15
(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.
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