Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Recreation & Athletic Specialist 3 Full-Time, Non-Permanent Washington Veterans Home We are excited to announce we are now hiring for a Recreation & Athletic Specialist 3 (RAS 3) , position at the Washington Veterans Home in beautiful Port Orchard, Washington!
Please Note:
Hours will be 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Telework is not authorized for this position. This position is non-permanent, and is expected to last at least until March 1st, 2027 . •This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules. Updated as of July 1, 2025: This position is eligible for "Supplement Basic Shift Premium" for 24/7 Facilities. Employees who are assigned to a facility that provides direct care to residents, patients, and/or clients and whose duties are required to be performed on location will receive an additional one dollar ($1.00) per hour of supplemental basic shift premium for each hour of basic shift premium. This shift premium does not apply to overtime hours. The supplemental basic shift premium shall expire on June 29, 2027. At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) , we are passionate about our mission of "Serving Those Who Served." As a national leader in our advocacy nearly 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families. As a Recreation & Athletic Specialist 3 you will Coordinate, organize, implement and lead therapeutic recreational programs for neighborhood EFGH and the memory care unit, at the Washington Veterans Home to meet residents' social, cognitive, spiritual, emotional, and leisure needs. Lead activity groups for all residents as scheduled. Plans for holidays and special events. Bring your experience and passion to promote health and wellness, and apply today to serve America's heroes! Some of what you will do: Completes activity calendar on the computer for printing each month including a balance program of physical, social, cognitive, emotional, creative and fun activities. Include a balance of large group, small group and 1:1 visit. Schedules and drives facility vehicles; order, purchase and plan supplies needed; notifies other disciplines of impacts to their programs; invites, encourages, and assists residents to programs; meets with residents for calendar input. Sets up/cleaning up for programs, decorates, moves tables, pushes residents in wheelchairs to/from activities throughout the whole building, capable of pushing and pulling with sufficient strength to accomplish task. Drives residents on outings, securing wheelchairs and residents in bus. Engages in scheduled activities with the residents for optimum participation. For example, bowling, Yoga, bingo, crosswords, crafts and entertainment. Interviews residents or family, reviews medical records for recreation related information, diagnosis, and social history. Completes recreation therapy assessment. Completes MDS assessment and enters results in PCC. Completes care plan in PCC for a personalized and individualized recreation plan for care. Writes quarterly, annual and change of therapy notes to assess individuals' progress towards recreation therapy goals. Reviews and audits attendance records documentation for content and completion regularly. Seeks opportunities for coaching and mentoring staff so they would qualify for a position above current job classification. Communicates clearly in writing and verbally. Meets with recreation staff regularly. Introduces volunteers to residents, train volunteers on how to assist for current event or activities. Assigns staff to tasks to meet the program needs. And much more! •Please request Position Description for full list of duties
Required:
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in either (a) recreation or therapeutic recreation, (b) music, drama, or physical education, or (c) psychology, sociology, or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music, or drama and two years of paid, professional recreation experience. OR One-year experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 2. OR equivalent education and experience. AND Knowledge and experience in facilitation therapeutic recreation programs and conducting sensory 1 to 1 session. Food Handlers Card AND Positive attitude. A Washington State Drivers' license or be able to obtain within 2 weeks of starting, AND Skills to drive a wheelchair vehicle/bus. Agency Required Competencies for all positions: The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Preferred/Desired:
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with American Therapeutic Recreation Association or Activity Director Certification through National Certification Council for Activity Professionals. Experience and training completing the MDS 3.0 for recreation therapy. Experience completing documentation in PCC, electronic medical records. CDL driving certification with passenger endorsement.
Special Requirements:
Must be able to pass a
DSHS BCCU
Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing. Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards. Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task. Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and follow proper call-in procedures. Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory, annual, in-service, and other required training. Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable. Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees. Must maintain a valid Washington State Food Handler's Permit (from https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov ). Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business. Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future. Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!
Application Process:
Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below. Please include the following documents with your application: 1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications. 2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Other Information:
This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees . Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status. We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency's greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization. If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov .
