Recreational Therapist I

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic professional for our Recreational Therapist I vacancy located at the Hogan Regional Center in Danvers. This position is part of an interdisciplinary clinical treatment team that ensures effective delivery of Therapeutic Recreation services with agency/facility policies.

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

• Assists with developing individual therapeutic goals and objectives for individuals. Evaluates the recreation/leisure therapy needs for developmentally delayed individuals; some of whom present with potentially aggressive behaviors, acute psychiatric needs and fragile medical/ physical conditions.
• Facilitates and oversees the therapeutic recreation and leisure services for individuals on their caseload.
• Develops plans and implements programs and special events, including the requisition and management of funds within facility policy.
• Conducts training sessions for agency personnel and individuals in such areas as types of services available and leisure options.
• Attends meetings, clinics and performs rounds as appropriate. Works with clinicians to train direct support staff in providing appropriate leisure opportunities and monitor implementation.
• Coordinates programs with other disciplines to assure optimal use or resources, provides in-service training to staff and is an active participant in the interdisciplinary process.
• Communicates with outside providers, staff, families and colleagues regarding changes, progress and status.

About the Agency:

The Department of Developmental Services is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.

Total Compensation:

As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are offered a great career opportunity influencing a wide-spectrum of services to the diverse populations we serve – but it’s more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including:

• 75% state paid medical insurance premium
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees’ Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation and Personal Time
• Tuition Benefit for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities
• Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
• Incentive-based Wellness Programs
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Pre-Hire Process:

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check.

https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

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 Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

SCHEDULE: Full-Time 40 hours/week:

Sunday 9:30AM-6:00P
Monday 11:00AM-7:30PM
Tuesday 11:00AM-7:30PM
Wednesday 11:00AM-7:30PM
Thursday 11:00AM-7:30PM

Days off: Friday/Saturday

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Human Resources at 978-774-5000.

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

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.

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