ACTIVITIES/RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Arizona State Government; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lifetime pension

Healthcare benefits

Generous paid time-off

Wellness programs

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

The Arizona Department of Veterans Services is seeking an Activities/Recreational Therapist to support Veterans at the Phoenix facility. The role involves creating monthly recreation calendars, conducting therapy sessions, and maintaining records in accordance with treatment plans.

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field and hold a valid Arizona driver’s license. State employment benefits apply, with opportunities for pension and healthcare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field or professional certification.
• Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license and DPS clearance card.
• Degree/certification must be current at hire or within one year.

Responsibilities

• Develop a monthly recreation calendar and maintain the activity bulletin board.
• Purchase items needed for planned programming and manage supplies.
• Maintain a personal caseload of Veterans/Members and document progress.
• Conduct therapy sessions in accordance with treatment plans and community events.
• Maintain clinical and administrative records and attend care plan meetings.

Skills

Recreational therapy techniques

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Basic computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES

For Veterans and those who care for them.

ACTIVITIES/ RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Job Location:

Arizona State Veterans' Home - Phoenix
4141 North S Herrera Way
Phoenix, Arizona 85012

Posting Details:

Salary: Up To $20.35 hourly (DOE)

Grade: 17

Closing Date: September 2, 2026

Job Summary:

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Veterans thrive? At the Arizona Department of Veterans Services (AZDVS), we are committed to serving and honoring Veterans, Service Members, and their families by ensuring that they receive the highest quality services so they can thrive for a lifetime!

We are looking for a compassionate Activities / Recreational Therapist.

Your rewards:

• The opportunity to receive a lifetime pension and healthcare benefits
• Generous paid time-off benefits
• Wellness and employee assistance programs, and so much more!

Your Contribution:

• Provide the highest quality direct care services to veterans
• Participate in facility meetings, training sessions, and the implementation of the Arizona Management System (AMS) to achieve continuous improvement and efficiency
• Use and develop your potential within a supportive team environment

Job Duties:

• Develop a monthly recreation calendar and maintain Activities/Recreational Therapy bulletin board
• Purchase items needed for planned programming
• Maintain a personal caseload of assigned Veterans/Members
• Conduct recreational therapy sessions with individuals and groups in accordance with established treatment plans and specific techniques which may include special community events and involvement with the community and veteran service organizations
• Maintain appropriate clinical and administrative records regarding diagnosis, treatment and summary of Veteran/Member progress
• Completes all therapeutic recreation assessments, care plans, MDS, CAS modules and daily attendance/progress notes
• Attend care plan meetings to participate in discussions and problem-solving processes
• Transport Veterans/Members to and from community outings using State Vehicles
• Act as a guide and trip leader to ensure proper Veteran/Member participation and safety
• Remains involved in AMS processes such as Huddle Boards, problem solving, Job Breakdown Sheets, success tracking, and standardized work

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• The therapeutic value of recreational activities
• Principles, practices and techniques of recreational therapy
• Methods used to accomplish therapeutic goals through recreational programs
• Community resources for recreational activities

Skill in:

• Applying recreational therapy techniques
• Demonstrating therapeutic recreation/activities
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Basic computer skills

Ability to:

• Transport residents in State vehicle

Selective Preference(s):

Experience in a healthcare environment

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Required to drive on State business; must possess a valid Arizona driver's license
• Must possess a valid AZ Department of Public Safety (DPS) Fingerprint Clearance card
• Must possess at minimum a Bachelor’s degree OR professional certification. Degree must be in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field.
• Accepted certifications include; Certified Recreation Therapist (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation, or National Association of Activity Professionals) or Certified Music Therapist (Certification Board of Music Therapists) or Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. Certification must be valid upon hire or obtained within one year of placement into position.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Contact Us:

If you have any questions please feel free to contact [e-mail] for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.