Recreational Therapist II - Mass : Job Details

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a dynamic Recreation Therapist to play an essential role in meeting therapeutic goals and objectives for patients of diverse age ranges. As a valued member of our team, you will perform comprehensive assessments to develop personalized care plans tailored to individual patient needs. You will implement a wide range of therapeutic recreation activities aimed at fostering positive social skills and achieving therapeutic milestones. Your creativity and compassion will shine as you motivate and counsel patients on available leisure activities, ensuring their active participation and engagement. You will collaborate closely with the Treatment Team, providing valuable insights during patient care conferences and team meetings. Your dedication to documentation excellence will ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with all state and federal regulations. If you are ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients while enjoying a supportive work environment, we invite you to embark on this rewarding journey with us. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): Perform Therapeutic Recreation Assessment and develop an individual patient plan of care. Implement Therapeutic Recreation Activities for chronic care patients ranging in age from 20-100+ years of age. Plan, organize, schedule and evaluate Therapeutic Recreation activities to achieve goals and to develop positive social skills. Monitor activities for development and evaluation purposes. Motivate patients to participate in Therapeutic Recreation Activities. Counsel patients as to what leisure activities are available. Escort and/or transport patients to activities. Be an integral part of the Treatment Team and attend Patient Care Conferences and other team meetings and provide feedback to clinical team regarding patient participation and progress in the Therapeutic Recreation Programs as assigned. Maintain documentation, which includes utilizing the Electronic Medical Record, and other documentation as required. Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings. Participate in patient field trips and special events, assist in organizing and planning of these as required. Remain in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws including the Health Insurance confidentiality of information about patients. Required Qualifications: Ability to develop program curriculum for Therapeutic Recreation Services. Ability to design and implement programs in conjunction with the members of therapeutic teams, such as, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist, Nutrition, Arts Therapist. Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; motivating subordinates to work effectively. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of Therapeutic Recreation and ability to read, interpret and apply principles of health and safety relevant to Therapeutic Recreation Activity space. Knowledge of performing assessments, setting goals, and documenting progress, and the types and uses of materials and equipment used in Therapeutic Recreation activities. Knowledge of Therapeutic Recreation counseling methods and techniques, as well as human anatomy and physiology as applied to Therapeutic Recreation. Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare general reports. Ability to plan, assign and coordinate the activities of others. Ability to establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds. Excellent communication skills including leading presentations. Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations. DPH Mission Statement: The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high-quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. According to comparative analyses, Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states, but we still face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious diseases, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities. Pre-Hire Process: A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit 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. For questions about this requisition, please contact Employment and Staffing Customer Service at 1-800-###-####, option 4. Questions or issues regarding access/login credentials to MassCareers, please contact the Mass HR ESC at 617-###-####. 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 FormQualifications: First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days . Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) three 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 and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in recreation, recreation education, creative arts therapy or therapeutic recreation may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.* II. A Master's degree or higher 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 Class D 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! Title 101 CMR 23.00 ( Regulation ) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza. 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.