A Recreational Therapist directs and coordinates recreational activities for people with disabilities or illness to help them improve their emotional and physical well-being, improve motor skills and increase confidence. Leads activities involving movement, sports, games, and other activities for brain stimulation. Assists patients with disabilities to learn to use public resources such as parks and public transportation, and integrate in the community. Works with people of all ages, in schools, nursing homes, clinics and other healthcare facilities, or in parks and recreation departments.
Are you a compassionate and creative individual who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of others as a Therapeutic Activities Worker with the Department of Human Services? This role allows you to help individuals engage in meaningful activities that support growth, confidence, and enjoyment. You contribute to uplifting experiences that encourage personal development and social connection. Your work brings energy, purpose, and support to daily life at Selinsgrove Center. Selinsgrove Center is situated in a nice rural location just outside the Borough of Selinsgrove. We are only a couple of minutes from town, Selinsgrove Area Schools, and Susquehanna University. Come join us at the Selinsgrove Center and start your career in public service. Watch this video to see how you can make a difference at the Selinsgrove Center!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on planning, organizing, and supporting therapeutic, vocational, and recreational programs for individuals at Selinsgrove Center. The role helps ensure that activities are meaningful, well-coordinated, and tailored to individual needs. As a Therapeutic Activities Worker, you will perform the following duties:
Program Delivery:
Plan and organize therapeutic, vocational, and recreational services for individuals at the center
Activity Coordination:
Secure contracts, schedule transportation, and coordinate events and community trips
Team Collaboration:
Consult with multidisciplinary teams and share information to support individual needs
Training Support:
Participate in Individual Support Plan (ISP) meetings and conduct training related to programming and vocational services
Program Assistance:
Support therapeutic activities and provide lead worker coverage when needed
Equipment Oversight:
Requisition and inspect supplies and equipment to ensure proper maintenance Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week Work hours are 2nd shift (1:00 PM to 9:00 PM), with a 30-minute lunch. Weekends and holidays may be required as needed. Your schedule may change based on operational needs. Position 1 will work Sunday - Thursday. Position 2 will work Tuesday - Saturday.
Overtime and 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. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY 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 3 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 Guidelines. You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and a drug screening. 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. All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans. 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. Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video! See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator. Health & Wellness We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.• Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life Balance We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.• Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box. Eligibility rules apply.
