The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.

Do you have a passion for making a difference in Nebraskans' lives? If so, the Department of Health and Human Services is looking for you! Apply today and start your first step in an exciting new career where you will be "Helping People Live Better Lives!"

You have the passion, we have the opportunities – let’s make a difference for Nebraskan.

Hiring Rate: $17.388/per hour (plus $3.00/per hour for every hour worked at the facility)

The Activity Specialist at YRTC-Hastings will be responsible for developing and implementing the Graduate program, GED program, and youth Pro-Social and Independent Living Skills groups. The Activity Specialist will work with the Recreation staff to schedule activities for school breaks and/or other special activities.

The Activity Specialist will assist the Recreation department with scheduling daily recreation activities. The Activity Specialist will act as a community liaison with outside agencies to set up off campus and on campus opportunities for the youth. Adding these duties to the duties to the Recreation Specialist would be a hardship, as these duties would be outside of the scope of their job duties and skills, and may result in overtime hours.

REQUIREMENTS: Post high school coursework with an emphasis in recreation management, music, recreation therapy, occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation or related field or experience in planning, coordinating, or directing activity or therapy services. Valid drivers license.

Knowledge of: methods for planning and conducting therapeutic activities; the principles and methods of therapeutic interventions; the fundamentals and rules of various games, sports, and related leisure activities; swimming pool operations; intellectual or other developmental disabilities and gerontology; the State of Nebraska Statutes, Rules and Regulations that govern the practice of Occupational Therapy.

Skill in: delivery of one or more therapy services; working cooperatively with facility personnel; utilizing therapy methods and techniques in carrying out therapeutic activities; communicating with residents, members, or patients and understanding their problems and needs; deterring deviant resident, member or patient behavior; observing, documenting, and evaluating assigned therapy services.

Ability to: form effective therapeutic relationships with residents, members, or patients; obtain and maintain resident, member, or patient interest and participation in activities; instruct residents, members, or patients how to perform an activity; observe and document resident, member, or patient behavior; keep records and compile reports; construct/modify equipment to meet the needs of clients.