Recreation Therapist

Position Title:

Recreation Therapist - ()

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as a Recreation Therapist at the Montana State Hospital.

The Montana State Hospital (MSH) in Warm Springs provides inpatient psychiatric treatment for adults with serious mental illness. MSH is the only public psychiatric hospital in Montana that serves people admitted from communities across the state.

Recreation Therapists help patients build resiliency and life skills. What that looks like is interviewing and observing patients to assess physical and mental status, capabilities, and interests, rehabilitation needs and plans appropriate interventions; designing and developing treatment programs and interventions addressing patients assessed needs; and developing treatment goals and evaluating patients progress toward goals and revises goals as needed.

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 (15 days per year), sick leave (12 days per year), and holidays (11 per year), 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.

• Knowledge of recreation therapy interventions and practices.
• Knowledge of psychology, human behavior, and development.
• Knowledge of individual and group therapy principles.
• Knowledge of recreational activities and related equipment.
• Knowledge of mental illness, chemical dependency, traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities; medical and physical disabilities.
• Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation preferred or related field.
• One year recreation therapist experience.
• Completion of approved recreation therapist internships may substitute for the one year of required experience.
• National Council for Therapeutic Recreation certification is required within one year of employment.

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit your application on the State of Montana Careers website.

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.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $25.55 - 25.55 Hourly Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings: 4 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time Job Type: Standard Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes, 5% of the Time Primary Location: Warm Springs Agency: Department of Public Health & Human Services Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees Posting Date: Jan 12, 2026, 9:40:39 PM Closing Date: Mar 29, 2026, 5:59:00 AM Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Human Resources Contact Email: Contact Phone: ext 4

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.