Activity Specialist

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

2d•$22•Onsite

About The Position

Lincoln Regional Center is seeking one compassionate, creative, and motivated Activity Specialist to join our interdisciplinary treatment team. This position plays a vital role in supporting the emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of patients through structured recreational, therapeutic, and leisure-based programming in a 24-hour state psychiatric facility. If you have the passion to make a meaningful difference, we have the opportunity—let’s improve the quality of life for Nebraskans together. What We Offer: • 156% state-matched retirement contribution • 13 paid holidays • Generous leave benefits • Tuition reimbursement • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) • 79% employer-paid health insurance • Dental and vision coverage • Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance • Career growth opportunities

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.
These positions require a valid drivers license.
Must be 19 years of age.
This position also requires proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the language effectively.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing therapeutic, recreational, or activity-based programming within a psychiatric, behavioral health, or long-term care setting, particularly in a 24-hour or interdisciplinary treatment environment.
Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and document individualized or group therapeutic activities that support emotional regulation, cognitive development, vocational readiness, and daily living skills.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and the ability to build therapeutic relationships with individuals experiencing serious mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, or co-occurring conditions.
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; intellectual or other developmental disabilities and gerontology.
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.

Responsibilities

Planning, organizing, delivering, or leading one or more therapy services, including but not limited to: Recreational Music Industrial Motivational Vocational therapy services
Supporting development of vocational, recreational, or basic living skills
Coordinating therapy services with other departments
Supervising or guiding para-professional therapy staff
Completing documentation and related duties as assigned