Recreational Therapist III

The Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke is seeking a compassionate, innovative, and experienced Recreational Therapist to serve as a supervisor and enhance our therapeutic recreation program within our long-term care community. This leadership position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating person-centered recreational and therapeutic programming that promotes residents' physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in long-term care, a strong understanding of regulatory requirements, and a passion for creating meaningful opportunities that support quality of life and resident choice. In addition to providing clinical and programmatic oversight, this position includes the supervision, training, and development of recreation staff, volunteers, and other assigned team members. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who fosters a positive team environment while ensuring the delivery of engaging, individualized, and compliant recreation services.

Schedule :

This position is 40 hours per week, rotating day shift schedule to include working every other weekend.

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

1. Conduct and/or participate in staff or interdisciplinary team meetings to formulate and review programs and /or treatment plans for veterans.

2. Inspect recreational areas and facilities for compliance with safety standards to and to determine area and facility maintenance needs.

3. Determine purchasing priorities within budget guidelines, recommend approval, and submit for fiscal expenditures as needed.

4. Keep accounting records of funds received and review the status of accounts to prevent overspending.

5. Interview candidates for recreational therapist positions, train employees on the job and conduct evaluations/appraisals of subordinates as needed and required, assigns work duties based on staffing numbers and scheduled activities.

6. Determine what security measures to take in accordance with departmental policy & procedure in emergency situations.

7. Resolve grievances of recreational/leisure endeavors or staff by investigating circumstances and taking appropriate action.

8. Oversees and assists in timely completion of all documentation requirements in EMR, MDS assessments, notes, care plans, etc.

9. Coordinates with recreation staff to ensure individual care plans are current and reflective of veteran leisure needs/goals.

10. Prepare reports and summaries of recreational and leisure programs and attendance, assist in maintaining essential records and files of staff and program activities and results.

11. Prepare statistical reports as required for meetings, and facilitate/attend QAPI, Safety, Recreation and other meetings when the Manager is unavailable.

12. Have knowledge of motivational and reinforcement techniques and principles of person-centered care.

13. Plan, develop, and implement recreational activities based on the domains of Recreation Therapy, utilizing and creating weekly and monthly calendars across multiple areas of VHH.

14. Schedules variety of entertainment to meet the needs of the veterans and assist entertainers with VHH procurement and contract process.

15. Assists in meeting the standards of the V.A., Joint Commission, D.P.H. and other governing bodies.

16. Schedules employees’ time, fills out appropriate time sheets when needed, and assists with Payroll when required.

17. Functions as back up to P.C. III, Manager of Recreation Services

18.Other job duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of the factors and trends in providing recreational services and ability to develop program curriculum for therapeutic recreation services.

2. Ability to determine space and equipment requirements for a therapeutic recreation activity center

3. Ability to schedule and monitor simultaneous and continuous veteran activities

4. Ability to read, interpret, and apply principles of health and safety relevant to a therapeutic recreation activity center.

5. Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of supervision.

6. Ability to work with other departmental staff towards a common goal.

7. Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of the subordinates and available resources.

8. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of therapeutic recreation.

Qualifications Acquired on the Job :

1. Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines governing assigned care center activities.

2. Knowledge of the types and availability of public and private organizations and sources for providing recreation services.

3. Knowledge of the methods and techniques or curriculum development for therapeutic recreation activities.

4. Knowledge of principles, practice and technique of supervision.