Activity Specialist

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

• Job Posting closes: April 3, 2025

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full/Part-time: Part-time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt
• Work Schedule: Schedule varies dependent on department needs
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: No
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes
• Search Keywords: Activity, Leisure, Fitness, Activities, Exercise, Fitness,

Compensation:

Hourly Pay Range: $16.56 - $17.79

TEMPORARY additional differential of $2.50/hr for all hours worked.

• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Osawatomie State Hospital is licensed by the State of Kansas to provide care and treatment for adults diagnosed with psychiatric disorders regardless of ability to pay. There are currently two hospitals on the Osawatomie campus in Miami county: Osawatomie State Hospital (OSH) and Adair Acute Care (AAC). Adair Acute Care are a 60-bed facility, certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

All employees are expected to work in a harmonious and cooperative fashion with other staff to provide efficient and effective customer service: to use free time as available to assist other staff in the completion of work assignments and perform other tasks as needed; to contribute to a positive work environment through a positive, helpful, courteous demeanor towards staff, customers and the general public; and to adhere to appropriate standards of conduct regarding the use of leave, reports to work on time and in the designated fashion.

The purpose of the Activity Specialist position is to plan and provide structured leisure activities designed to help the patients increase knowledge of fitness, basic nutrition, and leisure activities using a variety of activity modalities (e.g., recreation, sports, music, arts & crafts etc.) Maintain ongoing contact and build rapport with all patients on assigned area to determine response to treatment activities.

The essential functions of this position may require physical strength to frequently push, pull, twist, bend, squat, walk, stand for extended periods of time, lift and/or restrain residents with or without assistance and respond to aggressive resident behavior with specific, trained techniques. Be able to observe and respond to residents in distress.

Osawatomie State Hospital Adair Acute Care is funded in part by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is subject to requirements bestowed by Federal and State levels of government conditions of participation.

Position Summary:

The employee is responsible for selecting, designing, and conducting activities within established standards or practices. Within the structure of the activity, each patient’s treatment is determined by the goals and interventions developed by the interdisciplinary team. Instruction is generally verbal with some written handouts for guidelines. Assignments are given regarding the overall goals and approaches to be used, but the details of the activities and lesson plans are left to the employee. Must be able to lift 30 lbs or more to perform job duties.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Plan and provide structured leisure activities designed to help the patients increase knowledge of fitness, basic nutrition, and leisure activities through the use of a variety of activity modalities (e.g., recreation, sports, music, arts & crafts, etc.) Maintain ongoing contact and build rapport with all patients on assigned area to determine response to treatment activities. Encourage patients to participate in treatment schedule. Groups are reviewed for quality through direct observation, discussion during supervisory meetings, and participation in outcome studies.

• The incumbent is responsible for designing activities & leisure plans to facilitate positive behavioral changes and enhance positive social interactions. Attend Psychology and Therapy Services and Leisure and Fitness meetings to discuss patient and group issues.

• Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to ensuring the agency is adequately staffed during and immediately following natural and/or manmade disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and/or acts of terrorism. Assists other employees in the work unit in accomplishing assignments, as necessary.

• Demonstrates ability to work effectively with other staff at all levels. Provide and/or participate in professional development, attend at least twelve (12) hours of training annually. Maintain competency.

Minimum Qualifications: Four years of experience in recreation, athletics, music, or art. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in an activity related field with some experience providing therapeutic patient activities in a hospital or rehabilitation setting; experience in teaching/coaching/leading recreational or leisure/fitness related activities.

Contact Information:

Recruiter Contact:

Name: Jacqueline Barnett

Phone: (913) 755-7204

Email: Jacqueline.Barnett@ks.gov

Fax: (913)755-7408

On the My Job Applications page, verify these documents are present and valid. Upload or delete and upload new if needed.

• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Job Application Process

• Complete Paper application. Paper applications can be found at the desk of the operator or in Human Resources. Both located in the Administration Building at Osawatomie State Hospital. OR
• Sign in to your existing account or Register for a new account.
• Review and complete your contact information on the My Contact Information page.
• Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of this job posting to the appropriate location.
• Complete and Submit your application.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

See the helpful links below to assist in completing your application:

• Instructions:
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.