Recreation Therapy Aide

Job Description - Recreation Therapy Aide (26141939)

Position Title:

Recreation Therapy Aide - (26141939)

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as a Recreation Therapy Aide at Montana State Hospital - Grasslands.

This position is located in Helena, MT at the Grasslands facility, which is an off-site facility of the Montana State Hospital. It is funded through June 30, 2027. After this date, the position may be funded permanently or may be subject to a reduction in force (RIF).

Recreation Therapy Aides (RTA) plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities that meet the diverse preferences and interests of the patients. Therapeutic activities are facilitated by RTA staff on unit as well as off unit in designated treatment areas to include campus-wide events, large and small group activities, and assigned individualized sessions.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana''s comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity:

• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses as well as developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities.

• Knowledge and experience planning and facilitating a variety of social and recreational activities to include fitness, arts and crafts, sports, social leisure, recreation, hobbies, and music.

• Knowledge of application and use of a variety of recreation and fitness equipment.

• Skill using motivational techniques to encourage patient involvement in treatment.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work with patients requiring different degrees of assistance.

• Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information according to HIPPA policy and procedure.

• Ability to operate a personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete the essential functions including using spreadsheet, word processing, data base, e-mail, internet, and other computer programs.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience working as a psychiatric technician is required.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

• Resume

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position is grant funded through June 30, 2027.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

23.55 - 23.55 Hourly

Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

: 2 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Helena

Agency: Department of Public Health & Human Services Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

: Jul 29, 2026, 3:42:43 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer''s timezone)

: Aug 12, 2026, 11:29:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Resume

Contact Name: Kathleen Tarkalson | Contact Email: kathleen.tarkalson@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-693-7392 Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.