Recreational Therapist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Holyoke, MA

1d•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

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
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.

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