State of Montana

Recreation Aide - (25142721)

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov.

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

Job Overview: The purpose 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.

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: 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 and coffee and snack cart.

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.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References

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.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2026.

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: Not Applicable

Salary: $

19.55 - 19.55 Hourly

Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Lewistown

Agency: Department of Public Health & Human Services Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

: Nov 18, 2025, 8:18:57 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

: Ongoing

Required Application Materials: Resume, References

Contact Name: Lori Jones | Contact Email: lori.jones2@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406/535-6935 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.

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