Recreation Program Assistant, St. Peter, Minnesota

When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: Recreation Program Assistant
Job Class: Recreation Program Assistant
Agency: Human Services Department

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/18/2024
• Closing Date: 05/01/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS St Peter AFSCME
• Division/Unit: St Peter / Forensic Nursing Home RT's
• Work Shift: Day / Evening Shift
• Work Hours: Varies
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $24.62 - $31.54 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
• Work Area: Forensic Nursing Home
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

Candidates may be eligible for a hiring bonus up to $2,500.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join our Forensic Services within the Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) division of agency.

The Forensic Nursing Home in St. Peter is looking for a part time enthusiastic Recreation Program Assistant to join our team! As the Recreation Program Assistant, you will develop, plan, coordinate, and facilitate recreational activities base on the leisure, strengths, and needs of the patients.

Other duties include:

• Plan activity sessions and programs based on patient expressions of interest
• Maintain and order equipment, resources, and materials for patient activities
• Utilize therapeutic motivational techniques and person-centered approaches

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Recreation Therapy, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Education, Parks/Recreation, or a closely related field OR
• Two or more years of coursework toward a Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Physical Education, Parks/Recreation or a related field OR
• At least two years of experience conducting a recreation therapy program, or facilitating recreation activities
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that you clearly describe your work experience in the areas listed for each job held.

REFERENCE CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants may be required to provide documentation to demonstrate proof of education if required for the position.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

If you have questions about the position, contact Michelle Chalin at michelle.b.chalin@state.mn.us or 507-985-2366 .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Susan Mwangi at susan.mwangi@state.mn.us .

About Human Services Dept

DHS operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency's mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.