Recreational Therapist III

• Develop individualized therapeutic goals and objectives by collaborating with staff and assessing patient participation and needs.
• Plan and organize recreational, social, and special activities; set group and individual goals tailored to treatment plans.
• Motivate patient participation through education and counseling on the value of leisure activities.
• Design and implement recreation programs for patients across various levels of impairment.
• Oversee operational inventory and requisition necessary supplies and equipment.
• Recruit and transport patients to small and large group activities.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, professional development sessions, and workshops.

Required Qualifications:

• Apply principles and techniques of therapeutic recreation and adapted physical education.
• Utilize motivational and reinforcement strategies effectively.
• Address challenges and analyze trends in recreation services for specialized client groups (e.g., mentally ill, physically disabled, geriatric, and head-injured).
• Select and maintain materials, equipment, and enforce safety practices for recreational activities.
• Implement counseling methods and techniques in therapeutic recreation.
• Understand and incorporate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
• Follow principles of health, safety, and supervision.
• Plan and conduct training sessions while developing engaging recreation program curricula.
• Prepare reports, maintain accurate records, and oversee multiple activities simultaneously.
• Build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds and foster positive working relationships.
• Demonstrate leadership in group settings and maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Deliver effective oral presentations to diverse audiences.
• Schedule and oversee recreational activities to ensure smooth operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to assigned unit activities
• Familiar with public and private organizations/resources for recreation services
• Experienced in first aid techniques
• Proficient in the methods and techniques for developing therapeutic recreation curricula

About the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital:

Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is a fully Joint Commission accredited teaching facility that provides acute, subacute, and ambulatory care to patients referred by public agencies and private sector providers. Shattuck Hospital's services help economically and socially disadvantaged patients to get high quality, cost-effective care from a staff that respects their dignity.

Located in the heart of Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, the Shattuck Hospital includes 248 inpatient beds including 95 Psychiatric beds and 29 Correctional Health beds. In addition, the Shattuck has a full outpatient clinic with many specialties that offers treatment to patients of the Department of Mental Health as well as Department of Correction and House of Correction inmates and community patients.

The Shattuck hospital is on the forefront of substance use disorder treatment including a Suboxone clinic serving 200 patients. In addition to direct medical services LSH hosts and supports an array of services located on the campus, serving patients struggling with addictions and homelessness.

Learn more about: what it's like to work as a DPH nurse

Learn more about Shattuck Hospital: https://www.mass.gov/locations/lemuel-shattuck-hospital

Relocation information: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/dph-renovation-for-shattuck-hospital-replacement-building

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 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, http://www.mass.gov

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

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

Qualifications

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

Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in planning, organizing, instituting or conducting therapeutic services in a recognized public or private agency, and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, and (C) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) 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 or higher degree with a major in recreation, recreation education, creative arts therapy or therapeutic recreation may be substituted for three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience. No substitutions will be permitted for the required (C) experience.

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

S alary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range

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!

T itle 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.