Therapeutic Educational and Recreational Specialist

Oak Hill/Gilead • Waterbury, CT

19d

About The Position

Oak Hill has been enhancing the lives of people with disabilities since 1893! We invite you to join our team of highly committed professionals. Founded in 1893 by trailblazer and visionary, Emily Wells Foster, Oak Hill has over 129 years of experience providing the highest quality services to people with varying disabilities. Oak Hill sets the standard, partnering with people with disabilities, to provide services and solutions promoting independence, education, health, and dignity. Oak Hill is seeking Therapeutic Educational and Recreational Specialist (TRES) to provide assessments and ongoing evaluations that support meaningful, integrated daily activities within a participant's desired community. This role employs therapeutic recreation, leisure, and educational activities to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) and other barriers to community integration.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Art Therapy, or a related field (e.g., Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy).
• 2 years of professional experience working with individuals with ID/DD.
• Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
• Knowledge of Medicaid and DDS guidelines, including billing practices.
• Strong skills in organization, communication, and interpersonal relations.
• Experience with inclusionary practices and advocacy.
• Creative, compassionate, and patient approach to therapeutic work

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and implement individualized therapeutic programs tailored to participants’ needs, interests, and abilities.
• Conduct detailed assessments to identify participants’ strengths, challenges, and preferences.
• Lead group and one-on-one therapeutic activities, including arts and crafts, music, sports, educational experiences, and community outings.
• Promote social integration and community engagement for participants.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including healthcare providers, family members, guardians, and agency personnel.
• Contribute to the creation of comprehensive Individualized Service Plans (ISPs).
• Track and document participants’ progress, making adjustments to therapeutic plans as needed.
• Maintain Medicaid-compliant records and prepare required reports.
• Provide training and guidance to caregivers and staff on therapeutic techniques and best practices.
• Advocate for participants’ inclusion and quality of life improvements.
• Ensure all activities align with Medicaid and Department of Developmental Services (DDS) guidelines.
• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and regulatory standards.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time, Plus Paid Holidays
• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits (Oak Hill funds 50% of your medical deductible in an HSA)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan (Oak Hill contributes 9.5% at no cost to you)
• Free and Low-Cost Life Insurance Options and Free Long-term Disability Insurance
• Excellent Professional Development Opportunities; Tuition Reimbursement; Career Pathways
• Staff Recognition and Appreciation
• Paid Training, Education, and Certification as necessary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees