Compensation

Recreation Therapist I - $18.43 an hour
Recreation Therapist II -$ 20.19 an hour


Why you’ll love it here!

HOPE. COMPASSION. COMMITMENT. The Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) strives to provide Oklahoma youth and families the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Our mission is to collaborate with youth, families, and community partners to create pathways for success through prevention and treatment for all Oklahoma Youth. Check out why we are passionate about juvenile affairs and believe it is the career for you!!!

Oh yeah, did we mention perks? We know that benefits matter and that is why we offer a competitive benefits package for all eligible employees.

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Student Loan repayment options
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

$5,000 SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE

$6,000 CONTINUOUS SERVICE BONUS AVAILABLE

*Must meet eligibility criteria*

This position is a safety sensitive position as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8 (K)(1)(i)(2) due to providing direct childcare. Therefore, those applicants testing positive for marijuana will not be hired even when in possession of a valid medical marijuana license.'

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for planning, organizing, directing and conducting client therapy programs and instructor supervise clients in recreational activities as part of a therapeutic psychiatric or medical treatment program.

Typical Functions

• Plans and implements therapeutic recreational programs and activities for an assigned caseload of patients.
• Conducts interviews, tests and other procedures to evaluate the patient’s needs, attitudes, interests and abilities.
• Develops a therapeutic intervention plan based on observations, tests and other information, evaluates patient’s participation in program activities and progress towards established goals and objectives and documents response to various treatments and activities.
• Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team that consults with other health care professionals in determining a total treatment plan and recommends changes based on individual observations and evaluations.
• Assists in developing protocols, treatment guidelines, education materials and specialized programs for patients.
• Serves as a community resource on recreational therapy and related health care issues.
• Conducts various therapeutic recreation programs for clients' families and groups, including but not limited to outdoor adventure/wilderness programs (ropes courses, rock climbing, rappelling, backpacking, wilderness camping and canoeing), physical activity programs (sports, group games, dancing), creative expressive programs (dramatics, music, arts and crafts) and special events and programs.
• Works intensively with groups and individual clients as part of their treatment program, coaching and supervising them in active sports, group games, dancing, dramatics and related activities; and participates, if necessary, to encourage participation.

Level Descriptor

This is the career level where incumbents are assigned responsibilities at the full performance level for professional level work. Incumbents at this level will plan, direct and conduct a recreational therapy program of limited size and scope. There are no direct supervisory responsibilities assigned at this level, but training and assistance may be provided to less experienced professional or technical staff.

Education and Experience

X36A

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy, outdoor recreation, physical education or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

X36B
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master’s degree in recreational therapy, outdoor recreation or physical education; or a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy, outdoor recreation or physical education and one year of experience in recreational therapy; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

X36A
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques and equipment used in recreational therapy; of outdoor adventure/wilderness recreational activities; of the goals of recreational therapy and its interrelationship with other treatment programs; and of the causes of abnormal behavior and behavior modification techniques. Ability is required to supervise and plan various types of recreational activities; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to exercise initiative and independent judgment; and to work with mentally ill or physically handicapped clients.

X36B

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques and equipment used in recreational therapy; of outdoor adventure/wilderness recreational activities; of the goals of recreational therapy and its interrelationship with other treatment programs; and of the causes of abnormal behavior and behavior modification techniques. Ability is required to supervise and plan various types of recreational activities; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to exercise initiative and independent judgment; to work with mentally ill or physically handicapped clients; and to motivate volunteer program aides.

Special Requirements

Applicants must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with this position, possess a valid Oklahoma driver’s license at time of appointment and be willing to be on-call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The Office of Juvenile Affairs has determined that some positions in this job family are safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.

Must be able to pass background check and drug screening.

A trial period of 12 months will be required.

** Please call the Service Desk at 405-521-2444 if you have issues with accessing your Workday account.

**For additional information/questions regarding the job posting, benefits and additional career opportunities, please contact Sheryl Liepins at 405.620.6495 or sheryl.liepins@oja.ok.gov **

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.