Recreation Therapy Assistant

Western MA Hospital, operated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, provides exceptional care for adults with multiple disabilities. As an 87-bed, Joint Commission-accredited facility specializing in long-term acute care, we understand the unique needs of our diverse patient population.

We are currently seeking a dedicated Recreation Therapy Assistant to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will play a vital part in enhancing the lives of our patients by assisting our Recreation staff in planning and executing a wide range of engaging activities. From group sessions to individual activities, both within the facility and out in the community, your contributions will make a meaningful impact. Beyond your core duties, you will be a valued member of our team, actively participating in meetings and educational seminars to foster your own professional growth. Your ability to respond effectively in emergency situations and ensure the safety of our patients will be paramount.

Please note: This position is 10:00am-6:30pm and will be expected to work every other weekend, holidays, and flexible hours to meet program needs.

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

• Assist in planning and executing group and individual recreational activities within and outside the hospital setting.

• Adapt and implement programs described in treatment plans to meet the diverse needs of patients.

• Observe, assess, and document patients' interests, progress, and needs, and share observations with the team.

• Plan and participate in community trips, ensuring safe transportation of program participants.

• Accompany and escort participants to and from different units of the hospital for recreational activities.

• Procure necessary supplies, prizes, and personal items to enhance the activities program.

• Collaborate with the team to maximize participant interaction in social and recreational programs.

• Participate in team meetings and activities as assigned.

• Attend in-services and educational seminars to maintain and enhance skills and professional development.

• Respond effectively to emergency or health and safety situations.

Required qualifications:

• Skilled in acquiring information through observation and effective questioning.

• Demonstrated proficiency in crafting clear and concise written communication, articulating thoughts logically and coherently.

• Strong capability to engage with individuals experiencing physical and/or emotional stress.

• Proficient in collaborative teamwork and adept at contributing in group dynamics.

• Ability to establish rapport and handle interactions tactfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Capacity to maintain meticulous and precise records.

• Proficiency with extracting information through thorough examination of records and documents.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in planning and executing recreational activities in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting.

• Proficient in observing and assessing patients' needs, interests, and progress.

• Familiarity with adapting programs to meet the needs of diverse patient populations.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Experience in purchasing and managing supplies and resources for recreational programs.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in a healthcare environment.

• Current certification in CPR and First Aid.

About Western MA Hospital:

The Western Massachusetts Hospital is the only public hospital operating in the western region of Massachusetts with a mission to serve as a medical safety net for many uninsured and under-insured residents in the region. Western Massachusetts Hospital provides both acute and chronic hospital care to patients with a variety of chronic diseases and complicated medical conditions, such as:

• Cardiac and pulmonary disease

• Chronic neurological disorders

• Complications of strokes

• Dementia with major behavioral issues

• End stage terminal illnesses of various diagnoses

Consider joining our dynamic team of health care professionals in a work environment that provides high staff to patient ratio and delivers high quality care to all patients on all units. Enjoy the opportunity to provide quality services in a long-term care setting where familiar faces are the norm rather than the exception.

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/locations/western-massachusetts-hospital

About the Department of Public Health:

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. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

Pre-Offer 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 contact Human Resources at 413-784-9339.

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.

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.