Recreational Therapist I

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is looking for an enthusiastic and inspirational Recreational Therapist I (RT 1) to work at the Wrentham Developmental Center developing and implementing of therapeutic goals and objectives for recreational services. The RT 1 is responsible to plan, organize, and implement recreation activities, including the pool, based on individuals' interests and abilities.
Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities stated are a general summary and not all inclusive.

• Develop and implement support plan by selecting recreation activities designed to successfully achieve goals and objectives.
• Assess consumer's needs for therapeutic goals and objectives for recreational development and determine the methods of instruction to be used.
• Ensure engagement of meaningful activities to meet individual's recreational and day program goals
• Participate in data collection and documentation on progress.
• Program development based on Individual assessments and Individual Service Plan (ISP) data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic computer knowledge needed.
• Prior experience working in a recreational program setting.
• Experience with assessments/documentation.
• Experience with correlation of data.
• Program Development experience

Agency Requirements:

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Work Location:
Wrentham, MA
Work Schedule:
Full Time - 40 Hours
Working: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for 4 days and 1 evening from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. per week.
Days off: Friday and Saturday
The evening shift will be coordinated with your Supervisor to meet the needs of the Department. Flexibility required.
About the Department of Developmental Services:
The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.
For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds
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

As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
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
For help logging into/resetting your Mass Careers profile, call the Employment Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.
For questions concerning the information in this requisition please contact the Human Resources' Field Office at 508-866-8803 .
ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT.
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) 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.
COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption
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.