Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Recreational Therapist - (2500048Y)

Description

The Veterans Home at Holyoke is seeking enthusiastic and compassionate professionals for our Recreational Therapist team. The incumbents for these positions 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 24 hours per week; varied schedule to include working every weekend and some holiday coverage

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• 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

Required Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Agency Mission:

The Veterans Home at Holyoke is a state-funded, fully accredited health care facility that offers veterans quality health care, including full-time residential accommodations, and provides educational and social services for Veterans in the Commonwealth. The Veterans Home is staffed by approximately 330+ administrators, clinicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, skilled trade, dietary staff, housekeeping staff, contractors, consultants and general administrative personnel. The tradition of service to the veterans of Massachusetts is surpassed only by a continued commitment to excellence in care for those who are in need now and in the future. Our mission is to provide “Care with Dignity, Honor, and Respect” to our Veterans.

Learn more about our important work: http://www.mass.gov/hly

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Veterans' Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

The job specifications outlined below and within the attached Form 30 are currently being reviewed and will be updated in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) effective July 2, 2023.

Minimum Entrance 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.

Substitutions:

I. 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.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Recreational Therapist I

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Holyoke-110 Cherry Street

Job

: Medical Services

Agency

: Holyoke Veterans Home

Schedule

: Part-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: May 7, 2025, 1:09:41 PM

Number of Openings

: 1

Salary

: 29,384.16 - 39,368.00 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Ramanda Morgan / ramanda.morgan@mass.gov - 8572864182

Bargaining Unit: 02A-SEIU L888

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No

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