Skip to main content

DSHS Fircrest Recreation and Athletics Specialist 3

Posted yesterday

state of washingtonLake Forest Park (WA)

SENIORITY

Senior

Apply (opens in a new tab)

About the role

Recreation And Athletics Specialist 3Imagine a role where your thoughtful approach, creativity, and inclusive spirit help foster joy, connection, and a sense of belonging for others. As a Recreation & Athletic Specialist 3 at Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center in Shoreline, WA, you'll design and guide activities that enrich daily life; ranging from fitness and sports to art, music, social gatherings, and community outings. Fircrest is a distinctive campus: 88 acres of natural green space in the heart of Shoreline, just north of Seattle and easily accessible by car or public transportation. Here, you'll join a team committed to offering residents opportunities for growth, engagement, and fulfillment. This is a hands-on role where your steady presence, adaptability, and imagination will make a lasting impact.
Please note: The expected shift will be Sunday - Thursday 11:00AM - 7:30PM. See why people like you chose careers with DSHS: King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Some of what you will do: Develop a schedule of recreational activities that reflect the interests, abilities, and goals of residents. Create individualized recreation and treatment plans that promote wellbeing, skill-building, and social connection. Coordinate on- and off-campus activities, outings, and special events, including concerts, barbecues, parades, and community trips. Work directly in recreation skill areas such as sports, arts, drama, music, and social activities. Collaborate with Attendant Counselor Managers and interdisciplinary teams to design and implement recreation programs. Prepare reports and maintain documentation, including recreation therapy assessments and progress notes. Organize and distribute recreation materials and equipment. Who should apply? Professionals with the following: A bachelor's degree involving major study in: Recreation or therapeutic recreation OR Music/drama, or physical education OR Psychology, sociology, or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music, or drama. Two years of paid professional recreation experienceOR One year of experience as a WA State Recreation Athletic Specialist 2Note: Recreational therapy includes providing individualized assessments and treatment which are goal-oriented and directed towards rehabilitation and modification of specific physical, emotional, mental or social behaviors. Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for: Experience working with clients with developmental disabilities – Previous work supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is highly valued. Activity planning skills – You know how to design fun and meaningful programs for people with different interests and abilities. Calm under pressure – Skill in handling challenging situations with patience, professionalism, and safety in mind. Team collaboration – Ability to work closely with colleagues and interdisciplinary teams to support resident goals. Person-centered care – Understanding of how to adapt activities to individual needs, interests, and preferences. Clear communication – You can explain things in a calm, respectful way to residents, teammates, and supervisors. Recreation therapy knowledge – You understand how games, art, and movement help people heal, grow, and connect. Safe practices – Knowledge of health and safety rules to ensure recreation programs are safe, inclusive, and welcoming. Interested? Apply today! Questions? Please contact the assigned DSHS recruiter by email Alex.Baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and quote job number 08903.The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. 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 job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Benefits: More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.

More like this