Recreational Therapist

Recreation Therapist Position

The person selected for the Recreation Therapist position will be developing, planning, and managing recreational services. Duties include leading person-centered activities, coordinating community inclusion opportunities, participating in community inclusion activities, organizing recreation resources and monthly calendar of events for assigned homes. The Recreation Therapist will have continuous communication with treatment team and maintain regular contact with house recreation liaisons.

Primary duties and responsibilities not limited to:

• Assist homes in Staten Island to set up their in-home recreation calendars.
• Provide in-home groups/activities for those who do not attend day program (Daytime duties).
• Provide in-home groups and community inclusion activities (PM hours).
• Assist Senior Recreation Therapist in larger community inclusive activities.
• Assist in completing the monthly calendar, uploading documentation to EHR, weekly data checks, planning vacations and community event packet. Serve as advisor for Self-Advocacy Group
• Assist in Olympics trainings, events, and tournaments (i.e. Bowling, Track & Field, Hiking, etc.).

Either:

• A bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation;
• A bachelor's degree in Recreation, Physical Education or Adaptive Physical Education AND one year of experience in planning and administering a therapeutic recreation program which involved developing and coordinating therapeutic recreational activities for geriatric patients/residents, individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals with psychiatric disabilities, individuals that are physically challenged, or individuals in treatment for chemical dependency;
• Current credentials as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC);
• Current licensure by NYS as a Creative Arts Therapist.

Transfer: Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/c status in the posted title and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1, 70.4, or 52.6 of Civil Service Law. The transfer cannot be a second consecutive transfer resulting in an advancement of more than two salary grades.

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). HELPS Program titles may be filled via a non-competitive appointment. This means that you do not need to take an exam to qualify, but you do need to meet the minimum qualifications of the title.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), employees hired under NY HELPS are expected to have their permanent non-competitive employment status converted to permanent competitive status. You will not have to take an exam to gain permanent competitive status.

Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume. All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility.

If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.

Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA).

If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io to obtain information and RA forms.

Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan. Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses.

Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs.

Life insurance and Disability insurance. The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.

Paid Holidays and Leave: Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year. Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially. Five (5) days paid personal leave each year. Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year. Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events.

Health Care Coverage: Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.

Paid Parental Leave: Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event. A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care.

Retirement Program: Participate in The NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation.

Professional Development and Education and Training: NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities.

OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.