Therapeutic Activities Aide

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs seeks a Therapeutic Activities Aide to brighten daily life for residents at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home. You will support planned activities that foster social connection, personal growth, and enjoyment in a safe, supportive setting.

Responsibilities include planning and leading recreational and educational activities, assisting residents, coordinating resources, and maintaining a safe environment.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience as an Aide Trainee or equivalent Federal Government/ Commonwealth experience.
• Experience providing care to individuals needing assistance with daily activities is acceptable.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training may fulfill requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and leading recreational and educational activities for residents.
• Guide and encourage residents during group and individual programs to promote engagement.
• Escort residents to and from activities and assist with safe transfers and mobility.
• Maintain activity supplies and prepare materials for scheduled programs.
• Observe participation, progress and concerns and report to supervisors.
• Attend meetings and training sessions to support coordinated resident care.

Skills

Activity planning

Resident engagement

Mobility assistance

Supply management

Team participation

Job description

THE POSITION

Join the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs as a Therapeutic Activities Aide and help brighten the daily lives of residents at the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home. This role allows you to support meaningful activities that encourage social connection, personal growth, and enjoyment. Each day brings new opportunities to make a positive impact on the well-being of our residents.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role focuses on supporting planned activities that help residents maintain and strengthen their physical, social, and cognitive abilities. It involves preparing programs, assisting residents, coordinating resources, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment. As a Therapeutic Activities Aide, you will perform the following duties:

• Activity Support: Assist in planning and leading recreational and educational activities for residents
• Resident Engagement: Guide and encourage residents during group and individual programs
• Safe Transport: Escort residents to and from activities and ensure safe transfers and mobility assistance
• Supply Management: Maintain activity supplies and prepare needed materials ahead of scheduled programs
• Behavior Observation: Observe residents and report participation, progress, and concerns to supervisors
• Team Participation: Attend meetings and training sessions to support coordinated resident care

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 80 hours biweekly
• Work hours are 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM, every other weekend, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Six months of experience as an Aide Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Six months of work experience providing care to individuals requiring assistance with daily activities; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirement:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Willingness to work a full-time schedule
• College coursework in behavioral sciences
• Therapeutic Activity Aide experience in a commonwealth facility
• Experience working in physical, recreational, or occupational therapy
• Experience working with therapeutic activities such as leading community activities and events
• Experience working in a long-term care facility

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act.
  • Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.