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 I vacancy located at the Hogan Regional Center in Danvers. This position is part of an interdisciplinary clinical treatment team that ensures effective delivery of Therapeutic Recreation services with agency/facility policies.
Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):
Assists with developing individual therapeutic goals and objectives for individuals. Evaluates the recreation/leisure therapy needs for developmentally delayed individuals; some of whom present with potentially aggressive behaviors, acute psychiatric needs and fragile medical/ physical conditions.Facilitates and oversees the therapeutic recreation and leisure services for individuals on their caseload. Develops plans and implements programs and special events, including the requisition and management of funds within facility policy. Conducts training sessions for agency personnel and individuals in such areas as types of services available and leisure options.Attends meetings, clinics and performs rounds as appropriate. Works with clinicians to train direct support staff in providing appropriate leisure opportunities and monitor implementation.Coordinates programs with other disciplines to assure optimal use or resources, provides in-service training to staff and is an active participant in the interdisciplinary process. Communicates with outside providers, staff, families and colleagues regarding changes, progress and status.
Schedule:
Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday/Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Days off: Sunday/Monday
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
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For questions, please contact Employment & Staffing, at 978- 774-5000
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) 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, 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.