WDVA Recreation & Athletic Specialist 3, Full-Time Non-Perm, Washington Veterans Home

State of Washington•Kitsap County - Port Orchard, WA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is seeking a Recreation & Athletic Specialist 3 (RAS 3) for the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard, Washington. This is a full-time, non-permanent position expected to last until at least March 1st, 2027. The role involves coordinating, organizing, implementing, and leading therapeutic recreational programs for residents to meet their social, cognitive, spiritual, emotional, and leisure needs. The position is eligible for a supplemental basic shift premium for facilities providing direct care. WDVA is dedicated to serving those who served, connecting Veterans and their families to earned benefits and innovative programs, and providing critical community services through its State Veterans Homes.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in either (a) recreation or therapeutic recreation, (b) music, drama, or physical education, or (c) psychology, sociology, or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music, or drama and two years of paid, professional recreation experience.
OR One-year experience as a Recreation and Athletics Specialist 2.
OR equivalent education and experience.
Knowledge and experience in facilitation therapeutic recreation programs and conducting sensory 1 to 1 session.
Food Handlers Card
Positive attitude.
A Washington State Driver's license or be able to obtain within 2 weeks of starting.
Skills to drive a wheelchair vehicle/bus.
Ability to take action to learn and grow.
Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years.
Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening.
Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards.
Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task.
Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and follow proper call-in procedures.
Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory, annual, in-service, and other required training.
Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
Must maintain a valid Washington State Food Handler's Permit.
Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with American Therapeutic Recreation Association or Activity Director Certification through National Certification Council for Activity Professionals.
Experience and training completing the MDS 3.0 for recreation therapy.
Experience completing documentation in PCC, electronic medical records.
CDL driving certification with passenger endorsement.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, organize, implement and lead therapeutic recreational programs for neighborhood EFGH and the memory care unit to meet residents' social, cognitive, spiritual, emotional, and leisure needs.
Lead activity groups for all residents as scheduled.
Plan for holidays and special events.
Complete activity calendar on the computer for printing each month, including a balance of physical, social, cognitive, emotional, creative, and fun activities, as well as large group, small group, and 1:1 visits.
Schedule and drive facility vehicles.
Order, purchase, and plan supplies needed.
Notify other disciplines of impacts to their programs.
Invite, encourage, and assist residents to programs.
Meet with residents for calendar input.
Set up/clean up for programs, decorate, move tables, and push residents in wheelchairs to/from activities throughout the building.
Drive residents on outings, securing wheelchairs and residents in the bus.
Engage in scheduled activities with residents for optimum participation (e.g., bowling, Yoga, bingo, crosswords, crafts, entertainment).
Interview residents or family and review medical records for recreation-related information, diagnosis, and social history.
Complete recreation therapy assessment.
Complete MDS assessment and enter results in PCC.
Complete care plan in PCC for a personalized and individualized recreation plan for care.
Write quarterly, annual, and change of therapy notes to assess individuals' progress towards recreation therapy goals.
Review and audit attendance records documentation for content and completion regularly.
Seek opportunities for coaching and mentoring staff.
Communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
Meet with recreation staff regularly.
Introduce volunteers to residents and train them on how to assist for current events or activities.
Assign staff to tasks to meet program needs.