Recreational Therapist Ii (Supervisor)

Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children (PRHC), operated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking an experienced individual to provide planning for various PRHC programming, including after-school, weekend, summer, and special events. The selected candidate will assist with the supervision of daytime, evening and weekend recreation, community programs and summer programs, as well as recreation, intern, and volunteer staff.

The Recreational Therapist/Supervisor also assists the Recreation staff with the creation and implementation of individualized therapeutic goals and objectives for pediatric and young adult patients and community participants.

One weekend day per week is required for this position.  

Tuesday through Saturday 11:00A-7:30P (one position)
Sunday through Thursday 11:00A-7:30p (one position)

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

• Supervises staff in supporting, identifying, and encouraging growth opportunities; assists with staffing, evaluating, staffing flow and identifying needs.
• Oversees patients' assessments, preadmissions, admissions and interprets integrated assessment procedures into an initial plan of care.
• Assesses program offerings to evaluate effectiveness, quality, and areas of improvement.
• Partners with hospital staff to discuss program activities, resolve problems ensuring departmental continuity; alerts clinical/staff to any special problems or issues that may affect treatment.
• Provides leisure education designed to help patients acquire the knowledge and skills needed for independence and social involvement.
• Completes casework of recreational documentation (assessments, progress notes etc.) to develop, implement and modify as needed, appropriate long and short-term treatment programs, plans of care and develops individual patient therapeutic goals and objectives.
• Educates patients and families members regarding evaluation findings and current skills; develops and instructs in home programs, as appropriate.
• Serves as a representative of the Recreation Department at various meetings, including interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Oversees community use of PRHC facilities and equipment.
• Attends professional meetings, seminars, and conferences to maintain a comprehensive and current knowledge of recreation therapy.
   

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of principles, theory, practice, and terminology of Therapeutic Recreation.
• Skilled in the ability to provide supervision, guidance, and instruction, including assigning and reviewing work, monitoring progress, and evaluating performance.
• Familiarity with the factors, trends, and problems in providing recreation services to special client groups including techniques of adapted physical education.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and document concisely to develop ideas in logical sequence.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills regarding age specific physiological changes, developmental needs, and appropriate therapeutic intervention.
• Capacity to work effectively as a member of the interdisciplinary team.
• Talent for establishing rapport and maintain harmonious working relationships with persons from varied ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds.
• Skilled in exercising discretion in handling confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skilled in exercising a high degree of initiative, judgement, discretion, and decision making to achieve objectives.
• Thoroughness, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• CTRS certification (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist)
• One-year experience in a healthcare facility desirable.

Agency Misison:

Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children (PRHC) located in Canton, MA is a Joint Commission Accredited, 90 bed pediatric hospital predominately serving children and young adults (ages 8-22) operated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.   The mission of PRHC is to provide medical, rehabilitative, educational, recreational, habilitative, transitional, and complementary alternative medical services to children and young adults with multiple disabilities, assisting them to achieve their optimal level of independence in all aspects of life.  PRHC offers coordinated medical care and therapies in a hospital-based environment, as well as, K-12 schooling, located on the grounds. Educational Services are provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.   In addition, PRHC offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities such as swimming, horseback riding, adaptive sports, and many opportunities for socialization for disabled children and young adults.

 

Learn more about our important work: https://www.mass.gov/locations/pappas-rehabilitation-hospital-for-children

 

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.

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, please the contact Jennifer Swisher at 978-851-7321 ext. 1992630.

 

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!

 

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.