Recreational Therapist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Holyoke, MA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans Home at Holyoke is seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate professional for our Recreational Therapist team. The incumbent for this position will assist the department director with planning, organizing, and instructing Veterans through participation in both individual and group leisure activities in accordance with their needs and capabilities. Schedule: This position is 40 hours per week; rotating day shift schedule to include working every other weekend and holiday.

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.
• 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.
• Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Knowledge and understanding of Recreation Therapy principles and techniques
• Ability to work effectively as a member of the interdisciplinary team
• Ability to deal tactfully with others and to lead a group
• Ability to motivate others and interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress
• Ability to plan, assign and coordinate the activities of others
• Ability to exercise sound judgement as well as discretion in handling confidential information

Nice To Haves

• CTRS Certification (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist)
• Experience working in a long-term care facility
• Experience working with geriatric and/or memory-impaired populations
• Talent for recognizing the cultural diversity of the Home and ensure sensitive and equitable treatment for all who work and visit the facility

Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and implementation of activities suitable for Veterans in a long-term care facility
• Assist in the development of individual Veteran therapeutic goals and objectives
• Support Veterans’ spiritual, emotional and physical needs
• Responsible for the completion of recreation documentation (i.e. progress notes, assessments, MDS)
• Assist with community trips and special events
• Order and maintain recreational supplies and equipment to ensure their availability and safety for Veteran use
• Provide leisure education designed to help the Veterans acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for independence and social involvement
• Attend professional meetings, seminars and conferences to maintain a comprehensive and current knowledge of recreation therapy

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees