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Recreation Therapist Senior
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What they do
A Recreational Therapist directs and coordinates recreational activities for people with disabilities or illness to help them improve their emotional and physical well-being, improve motor skills and increase confidence. Leads activities involving movement, sports, games, and other activities for brain stimulation. Assists patients with disabilities to learn to use public resources such as parks and public transportation, and integrate in the community. Works with people of all ages, in schools, nursing homes, clinics and other healthcare facilities, or in parks and recreation departments.
$52,117 / year median in Minnesota
-0% projected decline
Job Description
Job Details Working Title:
Recreation Therapist Senior Job Class:
Recreation Therapist Senior Agency:
Direct Care and Treatment Job ID :
95396Location :
Anoka Telework Eligible :
No Full/Part Time :
Full-Time Regular/Temporary :
Unlimited Who May Apply :
Open to all qualified job seekersDate Posted :
07/09/2026Closing Date :
07/20/2026Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit :
Direct Care and Treatment /DCT MAPE State Operated Svcs Division/Unit :
AMRTC /Rehabilitation Department Work Shift/Work Hours :
Day Shift, 7:30-4Days of Work :
Monday•Friday Travel Required :
No Salary Range:
$28.75•$42.16 / hourlyClassified Status :
Classified Bargaining Unit/Union :
214•MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status :
Nonexempt Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants withDisabilities:
Yes Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify. The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. Job Summary The Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center is seeking a Recreation Therapist Senior (RTSr) to join our team of dedicated individuals helping to make a difference in the lives of others. Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC) is an inpatient psychiatric hospital serving adults with mental illness in a large, campus-based setting. The population also includes individuals civilly committed for specialized care, such as competency for criminal court (Rule 20), emergency 48-hour bed holds, and co-occurring mental illness/chemical dependency. Located just 15 minutes north of the Twin Cities metro, this modern facility offers compassionate, person-centered care in a pleasant environment appreciated by patients and employees alike. The recreation therapist is responsible for a comprehensive range of clinical and administrative duties, including completing comprehensive assessments of a patient's physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual needs to inform the development of treatment plans. Based on these assessments, they design and implement goal-oriented therapeutic interventions and facilitate opportunities for meaningful recreation participation. To ensure the effectiveness of their work, they must also evaluate the outcomes of services and adjust treatment plans as needed. The therapist is ultimately accountable for the safety and effectiveness of all recreation therapy services. Beyond direct patient care, they also contribute to broader program management, which can include quality improvement projects and the management of equipment and supplies.Primary Responsibilities Include:
Apply recreation therapy service delivery models and theories in the recreation therapy process including assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and documentation (APIE-D) Provide group and individual recreation therapy interventions using a variety of evidence-based modalities to improve leisure functioning Develop and communicate leisure-based interventions for multidisciplinary treatment planning that support symptom stabilization and discharge planning Qualifications Minimum Qualifications 2 years of experience as a Recreation Therapist OR 4 years of experience providing recreation therapy services. Experience must include at least 4 of the following: Patient Assessment Patient Treatment/Intervention Planning Patient Outcome Evaluation /Tracking Group Facilitation Adaptation of Activities Program Development Caseload Management OR Current certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation and; 6 months post-certification experience providing recreation therapy servicesEducation Substitution:
Associates degree in Recreation Therapy may substitute for six months experience providing recreation therapy services. Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Park/Recreation & Leisure, Physical Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a highly related field may substitute for 1 year of experience providing recreation therapy services. Master's degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Park/Recreation & Leisure, Physical Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a highly related field may substitute for 18 months of experience providing recreation therapy services Preferred Qualifications Bachelors or Masters in therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy or leisure studies with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through National Council for Therapeutic Recreation with specialization area designation in behavioral health Additional Requirements To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS
•Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.EDUCATION VERIFICATION
•Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned. Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing. 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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Kayla Evenson at kayla.evenson@state.mn.us or 651-539-6920. 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 Kayla Evenson at kayla.evenson@state.mn.us. If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at Accommodations.DCT@state.mn.us or call 651-539-7243.