Recreation Program Assistant

Working Title: Recreation Program Assistant Job Class: Recreation Program Assistant Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 97830
• Location: St. Peter
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/19/2026
• Closing Date: 10/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT St Peter AFSCME
• Division/Unit: St Peter / Forensics Recreation Prog Asst
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Evening Shift (11:00am-7:00pm)
• Days of Work: Tuesday-Saturday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $26.58 - $34.04 / hourly; $55,499 - $71,075 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
• Work Area: MSH Recreational Therapists
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join our Forensic Services team. The Forensics Services campus in St. Peter is comprised of the Forensic Mental Health Program and the Forensic Nursing Home. Forensics Services provides mental health evaluation and treatment services to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness who present a risk to public safety. This is a safe and secure treatment environment.

The Forensic Mental Health Program is looking for an enthusiastic Recreation Program Assistant to join our team! As the Recreation Program Assistant, you will develop, plan, coordinate, and facilitate recreational activities based on the leisure, strengths, and needs of the patients.

Other Duties Include

• Plan activity sessions and programs based on patient expressions of interest
• Maintain and order equipment, resources, and materials for patient activities
• Utilize therapeutic motivational techniques and person-centered approaches

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of one (1) year experience conducting recreation activities in a skilled-care nursing home, long-term care facility, group home, park or recreation center or correctional setting. OR Associate of Arts Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant or Human Services field or two years of coursework toward a BA/BS in Recreation Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Education, Parks/Recreation, or a closely related field
• Experience facilitating and participating in recreation program activities.
• Skills in observation and documentation sufficient to develop and maintain accurate and timely records of resident participation and progress.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with residents, staff, and volunteers in an individual and group setting.
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

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.

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