Job Description
This position is located at Hogan Regional Center in Danvers, MA
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic professional for our Recreational Therapist II vacancy located at the Hogan Regional Center in Danvers. The incumbent for this position will assist with planning, organizing and instructing individuals through participation in both individual and group leisure activities in accordance with their needs and capabilities.
Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):
Provides input and supervision of Recreation Therapy program development and implementation by monitoring programs and data collection, providing on-site supervision, participating in planning committees, and by inspecting recreational activities areas, in order to assist the RT III and Department supervisor in the coordination of service delivery.Assists the RTIII and Department Supervisor in coordinating services by participating in interview committees, performance reviews, program development and implementation, RT I training and orientation, special projects, to ensure compliance with standards and mandates.Coordinates and monitors the implementation of Recreation Therapy services through the interdisciplinary team process, by review and analysis of data to determine program effectiveness, to recommend modifications in plans and interventions to ensure effective operations in compliance with established mandates and standards.Evaluates individuals needs for Recreation Therapy Services through skill assessment, survey of interest, direct observation, interview and examination of the individuals' records, in order to determine appropriate treatment plans and services to be provided through the ISP process.Develops and implements treatment plans and programs by designing recreational activities selected to achieve individual specific objectives and needs, by providing individual and group activities, leisure education, therapeutic programs, and general recreational opportunities, including swimming programs, through participation in the interdisciplinary team process to ensure each receive individualized services.Conducts training and consultation to staff and families, participates in committees, staff meetings and professional development workshops to ensure quality services are provided to individuals.Reports and documents on individual progress and service delivery, and adheres to unit, facility and department policies and procedures to enhance the quality of services provided to individuals.Requests and oversees the use of supplies, equipment, and community resources to promote appropriate Recreation Therapy Services.
Required Qualifications:
Knowledge of the principles and practices of Therapeutic Recreation as it relates to the developmentally disabled and emotionally disturbed.Knowledge of the differences between therapeutic recreation and leisure programming.Knowledge of the rules of and material utilization for a variety of individual and group recreational activities.Knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed in general recreational activities such as swimming, outdoor activities, etc.Basic knowledge of human interaction, conflict resolution and feedback delivery.Ability to communicate in a professional manner: oral presentations and written reports, maintains accurate records and client related information.Ability to interact with clients and staff in an effective manner, exercise leadership in group situations, and provide instruction and training.Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and or emergency situations.Physical stamina and endurance.
Preferred Qualifications:
CTRS Certification (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist).Talent for recognizing the cultural diversity of the Home and ensure sensitive and equitable treatment for all who work and visit the facility.
Agency Requirements:
Possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License
Schedule:
Wednesday & Saturday: 9:30am - 6:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 11am - 7:30pm
Sunday and Monday: Off
About the Department of Developmental Services:
The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.
For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds
Pre-Hire Process:
Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:
Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks
As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
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.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link, and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
For help logging into/resetting your MassCareers profile, call the Employment Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.
For questions concerning the information in this requisition please contact the Human Resources' Field Office at 857-268-2337.
ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT. Listed salary ranges are for one full year at current rates.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) three 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 and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in recreation, recreation education, creative arts therapy or therapeutic recreation may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.
II. A Master's degree or higher 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 Class D 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, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.
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.