The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Healthcare Facilities Division/MMHNCC.

Recreation Aide: The purpose of this position is to provide a wide range of recreation programs and interventions in an adult mental health nursing care facility.  The Recreation Aide follows individual care plans to contribute to the resident's involvement as well as provides opportunities to meet physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of the residents under the direction of a recreational supervisor and in accordance with State and Federal regulations. This position will be scheduled Tuesday through Saturday 10AM to 6PM.

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.

Physical and Environmental Demands: There exists the possibility of injury to self or others due to unpredictable behavior of residents.  Frequently a recreation staff facilitates groups that have over 25 residents at a time.  Exposed to unpleasant odors and body fluids on a daily basis.

Work ranges from light to medium.  Physical demands are lifting equipment, moving residents, moving supplies and furniture, pushing carts, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and reaching in varying degrees to facilitate recreation activities and other duties of the job. Climbing ladder for decorating. Programs take place in the facility, out of doors, and in the community.  Gardening, fishing, and other outdoor activities as needed.

·         Lift frequently: 20 lbs.                                  

·         Lift supplies/groceries and equipment

·         Lift occasionally: 50 lbs.                               

·         Supplies from storage/transfer residents to chairs/set up tables for special events.

·         Push: frequently weighing up to 200 lbs. or more.

·         Push residents in wheelchairs or Geri chairs to activities, push activity carts, coffee and snack carts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Required for the first day of work:

·         Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others, both orally and in writing

·         Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees         

·         Ability to follow oral and written instruction explicitly

·         Motor coordination is necessary to facilitate many of the groups.

·         Must be able to facilitate large and small groups activities.  Provide leadership, direction, and display creativity and enthusiasm.

·         Ability to document, record, and report resident participation, behaviors, and general observations.

·         Organizational skills in planning and being prepared for activities and special events.

·         Must be willing to work with holiday themes.

·         Ability to assist residents in ambulating, transferring, and basic care needs during activities as needed.

·         Visual and hearing acuity is required to facilitate recreation activities.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

·         High school diploma or equivalent is required

·         No prior work experience is required 

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. 

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.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants. The first screening of candidates will take place on March 12, 2025.