THE POSITION

Are you ready to support meaningful therapeutic programs as a Therapeutic Activities Worker with the Department of Human Services? In this role, you help create activities that build skills, confidence, and purpose for individuals at Ebensburg Center. Your work encourages participation in tasks that match each person's abilities and goals. This position offers a rewarding chance to guide growth through structured and supportive activities. Watch this video to see how you can make a difference at the Ebensburg Center!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on delivering therapeutic activities that support learning, vocational growth, and daily engagement for individuals at Ebensburg Center. You will supervise staff, prepare training materials, and ensure that services meet required standards. As a Therapeutic Activities Worker, you will perform the following duties:

Staff Supervision:

Guide, assign, and review work of subordinate staff to support training goals

Training Preparation:

Develop individualized training plans and update progress notes

Attendance Tracking:

Maintain accurate records of individuals participating in programming

Service Compliance:

Ensure activities follow applicable policies, procedures, and requirements

Assessment Completion:

Prepare annual assessments summarizing individual performance 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 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Your schedule may change based on operational needs.

Travel and overtime:

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 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 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. This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods:

Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: Promotion Without Exam Reassignment ( Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment .) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Promotion Without Examination (PWOE): Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications: Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant Residential Services Aide Residential Services Aide Night Supervisor Residential Services Aide Supervisor Therapeutic Activities Aide Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination. The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations. Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower classes by the posting closing date with no break in service. 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. 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.