WDVA Recreation & Athletics Specialist 1, On-Call, Spokane Veterans Home

State of Washington•Spokane County – Spokane, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

We are excited to announce we are now hiring for the position of Recreation and Athletics Specialist 1, On-Call, at the Spokane Veterans Home! If you are ready to directly contribute to the well-being of our Veterans, then please bring your passion and apply today. This is an On-Call position, meaning the work is intermittent, sporadic, and does not fit a particular pattern. On-Call employees are utilized to support operational staffing needs, with shifts scheduled on a rotational basis. The on-call expectations for this position require staff to be available to work as needed, with a minimum availability of three shifts per week, on two different shifts. This position is not eligible for telework. This position is eligible for "Supplement Basic Shift Premium" for 24/7 Facilities, providing an additional one dollar ($1.00) per hour for direct care staff, expiring on June 29, 2027. At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” We strive to connect Veterans and their families to earned benefits and innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. We also provide critical community services through our four State Veterans Homes. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families. As a Recreation & Athletic Specialist 1, you will interact with residents, their families, staff, volunteers, and the public. The Recreation Therapy Department uses activities to enhance health, growth, development, and independence through intrinsically rewarding leisure behavior. Recreation Therapy provides treatment designed to restore, remediate, and rehabilitate a person's level of functioning and independence in life activities, promote health and wellness, and reduce or eliminate activity limitations and restrictions to participate in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition. Bring your experience and passion to promote health and wellness, and apply today to serve America's heroes!

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree involving major study in either (a) recreation, (b) music, drama or physical education or (c) psychology, sociology or education with a minor in recreation, physical education, music or drama.
OR Three (3) years of experience as a recreational assistant.
OR Two (2) years of college in recreation or equivalent.
Two (2) years of work experience in recreational or intramural sports programs may substitute for the educational requirements.
OR Equivalent education/experience related to knowledge and experience in facilitation therapeutic recreation programs and conducting sensory 1 to 1 session.
A valid Driver's license.
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks.
Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.
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 be able to lift up to 60 lbs. and be capable of reaching a minimum of 36" using proper technique to stock shelves and access supplies.
Employee must also be able to push or pull with sufficient strength and walk, sit, and bend in an unrestricted manner during the entire workday.
Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and be willing to work as needed.
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.
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

Knowledge and experience in facilitating therapeutic recreation group programs.
Food Handler’s Card

Responsibilities

Provide input for the activity calendar each month including a balance program of physical, social, cognitive, emotional, creative and fun activities.
Include a balance of large group, small group and 1:1 visits.
Plan for holidays and special events.
Support Recreation Department by assisting with special events and parties that are planned (e.g., Father's Day Barbeque, Christmas, celebrations, Memorial services, Veterans holiday programs, etc.).
Arrange monthly entertainment for resident birthday parties.
Write quarterly, annual and change of therapy notes to help assess individuals’ progress towards recreation therapy goals.
Communicate with interdisciplinary care team resident preference and goals.
Operate facility wheelchair accessible buses and other facility vehicles: Driving residents to/from outings.
Ensure that seatbelts and all other safety harnesses/belts/apparitions are engaged for the resident’s safety while in the vehicle.
Communicate supplies needed; notify other disciplines of impacts to their programs.
Works with volunteers assigned to recreation programs.
Setting up/cleaning up for programs, decorating, moving tables, pushing residents in wheelchairs to/from activities throughout the whole building.
Engage in scheduled activities with the residents for optimum participation (e.g., bowling, yoga, bingo, crosswords, crafts, and entertainment).
Invite, encourage and assist residents to programs.
Decorate facility in conjunction with holidays and seasons.