Therapeutic Activities Worker - Torrance State Hospital

A new and exciting career awaits you! The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is actively seeking a Therapeutic Activities Worker to be a part of our activities team at Torrance State Hospital. The Department is looking for individuals who are creative, energetic and compassionate to provide essential, therapeutic treatment services to our patients.

If you are creative, energetic, compassionate and value making a positive difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply to work as a part of a dedicated team of professionals where collaboration and communication are integral!

The Therapeutic Activities Worker (TAW) serves as an important member of the treatment team developing therapeutic interventions designed to meet the unique treatment needs of the Torrance State Hospital patients. In this role, you will work under the direction of the Therapeutic Activities Services Supervisor developing and implementing large and small treatment group activities which serve as treatment interventions that address the patients' plan of care goals. The TAW will be responsible for offering both on and off campus group activities. You will have the opportunity to provide group interventions that are designed to meet the patients' treatment needs in a unique and creative manner. Monitoring and documenting patient progress on a monthly basis is key. Work includes assessment of patient needs utilizing an initial and annual activities assessment tool. All work done by the TAW professional is designed to enhance and meet the treatment needs of each patient.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Required to work every 6th weekend
• Hours may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime: as needed
• Travel: as needed
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• The Department of Human Services provides excellent benefits, pay increases, paid leave and holidays, as well as opportunities for career advancement.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Four years of experience providing therapeutic activities for individuals with physical, medical, or cognitive disabilities; or
• A bachelor's degree with major coursework in therapeutic recreation; physical education; vocational rehabilitation; vocational education or counseling; art, music, dance, or occupational therapies; or a related human services field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act.
  • Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.