Recreational Therapy Assistant

The Department of Health Services (DHS) Southern Wisconsin Center (SWC) is recruiting to fill a full-time Recreational Therapy Assistant position located in Union Grove.

SWC is a state operated Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. SWC provides a wide variety of programs and services designed to assist and prepare individuals to live successfully in the setting that best meets their needs. SWC brings together a rich history and state of the art treatment approaches for the new millennium. Our workers love what they do. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from our employees.

Schedule for current vacancy: 8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $42/month for single plans and $104/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Premium pension plan with at least a 6.95% employer match in 2025. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

Click here to see what working for the State of Wisconsin is all about!

This job announcement may be used to fill future full time and part time vacancies on all shifts as they occur.

As a Recreational Therapy Assistant, you will work with certified recreational therapists to plan, implement, and coordinate a variety of recreational activities and basic skill development programs. These activities provide fun, life enriching experiences for residents with intellectual disabilities.

The starting pay is $21.55 per hour, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Therapy Assistant Objective and is in pay schedule and range 06/12.

All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by SWC or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

This position has physical requirements which may include but are not limited to lifting/ carrying up to 55 lbs, pushing/pulling up to 200 lbs occasionally (e.g. wheelchairs, carts, etc.), bending, kneeling, stooping, standing, and walking on hard tile floors for extended periods of time. Applicants may be required to pass a physical evaluation to assess these requirements.

DHS does not sponsor visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

**This position requires the ability to drive a State vehicle. In order to become authorized to drive a State vehicle, you must meet the requirements for the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle policy, which are:

• Must have a valid driver's license;
• Must have minimum of two years licensed driving experience;
• Must be 18 years of age.

Additionally, your driving record MUST NOT reflect any of the following conditions:

• Three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two years;
• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)/Driving Under the Influence (DUI) citation within the past 12 months;
• Suspension or revocation of driver's license.

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Training or experience planning, implementing, or coordinating vocational and recreational activities.
• Experience completing forms, documentation, or creating reports.
• Ability to work scheduled hours as needed, which may include weekend, holiday, early mornings or early evenings, and overtime as needed.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and meet the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy to drive a state vehicle.**

Well-qualified applicants will also have the following:

• Experience working directly with individuals with mental health disorders, physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities.

For tips on developing your resume and what should be included, click here.

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process. Sign in to your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Helpful Information:

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
• You will be required to attach your current resume in a Word or PDF compatible format and answer one or more questions.
• Please monitor your email for communications related this position.
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Jennie Hocker in Human Resources at Jennifer.hocker@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s affairs, click here.

The deadline to apply is March 4th at 11:59 pm. Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.