Are you interested in a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals through innovative recreational therapy interventions? Come join our team! Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center (SRSTC) within the Department of Health Services (DHS) is recruiting to fill multiple full-time Recreational Therapist positions in Mauston, WI. Working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, with some Saturdays and evenings required depending upon programming. 

SRSTC opened in 2001 and provides care and treatment for several different patient populations. The center houses Wisconsin’s Sexually Violent Persons Program, provides care and treatment for persons found not guilty by reasons of mental disease or mental defect, and provides court ordered treatment, testing, and education to patients found not competent to stand trial.  SRSTC is a 500-bed treatment facility and is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS.

As an employee of the state of Wisconsin, you'll 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. 
• Exceptional pension plan with a 6.95% employer match in 2025 with lifetime retirement payment. 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!  
• 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.

As a Recreational Therapist, you are responsible for developing and implementing a recreational therapy program focused on leisure and independent living skills for your assigned living units and throughout the facility. This program is intended to prepare patients for community life. Your responsibilities will include:

• assessing the needs and goals of the patients and developing programming based on their needs. 
• participating as an active member of the multidisciplinary team including collaborating and consulting as needed.
• providing training to therapeutic recreation students.
• planning, organizing, and implementing group and individual activities (e.g., arts, crafts, sports, exercise, etc.) with patients.

• These positions may be filled at the Therapist or Therapist-Senior level based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. A 12-month probationary period is required. 
• The starting pay for the Therapist is between $28.00 - $31.16 per hour (approximately $58,200-$64,800 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/05.
• The starting pay for the Senior level is between $32.00 - $39.11 per hour (approximately $66,500-$81,300 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/04.
• Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

• All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by SRSTC or medical personnel approved by the facility after the start date.
• All applicants who may be appointed 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.
• DHS does not sponsor work visas for these positions, 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.

Minimally qualified applicants will have at least one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy OR
• Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification or similar organization that accredits Recreational Therapists.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience working as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience working in a secure setting (i.e., mental health or corrections).
• Experience, education, or training participating in treatment plan development including developing goals and objectives to meet the needs of patients.
• Experience, education, or training using verbal intervention techniques such as motivational interviewing.
• Two (2) or more years of experience as a professional Therapist.

The letter of qualifications is limited to one (1) page. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

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

Helpful Information: 

• Once an 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.
• Submitted materials will be evaluated according to the qualifications list above.
• 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 or for other employment inquiries, please contact Katie Hartmann in Human Resources at Katherine.hartmann@dhs.wi.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.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.