Activity Therapist I

State of Delaware - DHSS/SAMH; Dover (DE); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Delaware - DHSS/SAMH is seeking an Activity Therapist I to organize and conduct therapeutic activities, including individual and group sessions, to support community re-entry and wellbeing. You will document progress, participate in supervision, and help develop group protocols.

The role involves coordinating activities, assessing participant needs, and assisting in staff training while maintaining records and attending required trainings.

Qualifications

• Six months experience in planning, organizing and leading group activities.
• Six months experience in working with persons with disabilities.
• Six months experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Six months experience in narrative report writing.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts a therapeutic program of individual, group, social or recreational activities.
• Conducts small group and individualized activities for individuals unable to participate in large groups.
• Conducts activity assessments to determine the needs, interests, capabilities and deficiencies of each individual as they relate to participation in activities and community re-entry.
• Assists in the orientation and training of non-professional staff who conduct therapeutic activities; assists staff in developing skills in working with individuals.
• Charts an individual’s attendance in groups, response to activities and other pertinent observations.
• Provides coverage for planning activities in absence of regularly assigned staff.
• Maintains records and prepares reports.

Skills

Planning & leading group activities

Working with persons with disabilities

Applying laws & regulations

Narrative report writing

Job description

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas. We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession. For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

The AT1 classification duties include facilitating therapeutic groups daily, completing person centered assessments, revise/developing treatment plan interventions, encourage client to successfully participate and complete their treatment goals geared towards discharge, document in client records, attend monthly departmental meeting, meet weekly for supervision with your supervisor, attend program planning as scheduled, develop group protocols, provide group coverage due to the absence of a co-worker, attend State trainings to enhance therapeutic skills as requested

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Plans and conducts a therapeutic program of individual, group, social or recreational activities such as games, dances, movies and field trips.
• Conducts small group and individualized activities for individuals unable to participate in large groups.
• Conducts activity assessments to determine the needs, interests, capabilities and deficiencies of each individual as they relate to participation in activities and community re-entry.
• Assists in the orientation and training of non-professional staff who conduct therapeutic activities; assists staff in developing skills in working with individuals.
• Charts an individual’s attendance in groups, response to activities and other pertinent observations.
• Provides coverage for planning activities in absence of regularly assigned staff.
• Maintains records and prepares reports.

Job Requirements for Activity Therapist I

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Six months experience in planning, organizing and leading group activities.
• Six months experience in working with persons with disabilities.
• Six months experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Six months experience in narrative report writing.

Conditions of Hire

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms. Upon a conditional offer, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment base line two step tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the hiring process. Pre-employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process. Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire. All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources. DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements. Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com. If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.