Recreational Therapist I - CONTINUOUS

Massachusetts; Chelsea (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea seeks a dedicated individual to support recreational programming for veterans. Responsibilities include planning activities, encouraging participation, and managing supplies while ensuring a safe and engaging environment for residents.

Benefits

Comprehensive employee benefits

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in therapeutic recreation services.
• Ability to supervise volunteers and coordinate programs.

Responsibilities

• Encourages resident participation in activities and events.
• Maintains attendance records and manages supplies.
• Provides one-on-one interaction with residents.

Skills

Ability to work with adult and geriatric veteran population

Knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures related to activity programs

Education

Bachelor's or higher degree in recreation or therapeutic recreation

Job description

The Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea, a state operated agency offering long-term care and independent living for veterans, seeks individuals to support recreational programming tailored to residents’ diverse needs. This role involves encouraging resident participation in individual or group activities, planning and overseeing events such as bingo, musical entertainment, movies, and reminiscence groups, and providing one-on-one interaction at bedside, in units, or outdoors. Responsibilities also include procuring supplies, managing attendance and expenditure records, and collaborating with family members, veterans, civic organizations, and volunteers to enhance activity programs.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Motivates residents to participate in recreation activities for those functioning at various levels of impairment.
• Maintains attendance records of patient participation in activities.
• Assists with planning, organizing and running daily activities; supervises group activities, such as bingo, musical entertainment, movies, reminiscence groups.
• Provides 1-1 visits to clients at bedside, in unit, as well as outdoors.
• Assists with purchasing of activity supplies, decorations and paper goods and other supplies as needed.
• Works with family members, veterans, and civic organizations at various recreation activities.
• Assists with record keeping and accounting of activity expenditures.
• Reports and discusses observations of patient participation in activities to supervisor as part of interdisciplinary process.
• Maintains CPR certification.
• Transports patients to activities while promoting a safe environment.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:

• Ability to work with adult and geriatric veteran population.
• Knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures related to activity programs.
• Ability to work with volunteers, veterans and civic organizations and those assigned to resident detail.

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB:

• Ability to assist supervisor to coordinate programs in order to enlist and provide sponsors, volunteers.
• Ability to train, direct and supervise volunteers.
• Ability to prepare activity reports, log patient participation and expenditures, and distribute flyers and memos as needed.
• Ability to discuss and evaluate patient performance.
• Knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures related to activity programs.
• Gains skill in working with adult and geriatric population in long term care setting

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in planning, organizing, instituting or conducting therapeutic recreation services in a recognized public or private agency, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience in the substitution below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in recreation, recreation education, creative arts therapy or therapeutic recreation may be substituted for the required experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Pre-Offer Process:

For BU and MI-MIV

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.