DEPT OF VETERAN SERVICES

Address: 2100 N. Gemini Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86004 

Salary: $51,700.00 to $55,000.00 (DOE) 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: 

This position manages and supervises a program of therapeutic recreation services for the Arizona State Veteran Home (ASVH). Designs, plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates the program. Ensures compliance with established policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Supervises the Recreational Therapy staff. Implements and manages all non-medical therapeutic services provided to the residents of the ASVH. These services may include, but are not limited to biofeedback, massage therapy, therapeutic touch, reiki therapy, music therapy, art therapy, guided mediation/relaxation, yoga, and tai chi. Conducts behavioral interventions and group/ individual therapy sessions for residents. Provides training to all staff in non-traditional, palliative care therapies. Maintains records and prepares reports. Participates in budget planning and monitoring. Develops and coordinates volunteer and internship programs for the ASVH. Learns, implements and monitors Arizona Management System (AMS) methods. Utilizes AMS concepts and tools for problem solving and continuous work/process improvements and efficiencies. Incorporates a cultural focus on Veteran/Member-centered care in the performance of job duties.

• Designs, plans, organizes, coordinates, and implements recreation therapy services.
• Monitors and confers with department staff and interdisciplinary team regarding overall treatment plan.
• Monitors and evaluates responses to the programs to determine whether activities meet the assessed needs of the Veterans/Members, and makes revisions as needed.
• Ensures services are delivered in compliance with facility policies and procedures, as well as with state, VA, and federal regulations.
• Supervises subordinate staff to ensure the goals and objectives of the work unit are met. Plans, organizes, assigns and reviews the work of the Activities/Recreational Therapy staff.
• Provides training, education and support.
• Conducts individual and group meetings with subordinate staff.
• Provides clinical supervision, and monitors and evaluates performance.
• Initiates corrective or disciplinary action as necessary.
• Receives referrals and conducts clinical/psychosocial assessments to determine resident appropriateness for wellness services.
• Participates in the development and implementation of the interdisciplinary care plan for all residents receiving wellness services.
• Develops program plans and prepares for in-house therapy/wellness sessions.
• Arranges for staff members/volunteers to administer therapy, as appropriate.
• Provides information for completion of Minimum Data Set. Attends care plan meetings; participates in discussions and problem-solving process.
• Confers with other staff members, special consultants and members of the treatment team.
• Attends department and facility meetings.
• May mentor student interns.
• Assists Veterans/Members in organization and continued development of council meetings in compliance with federal and state guidelines.
• Ensures resolution of Veteran/Member issues addressed during council meetings per complaint/compliment policies and procedures.
• Maintains program and administrative records; prepares reports.
• Ensures that information is documented in accordance with regulations and facility policies and procedures.
• Participates in budget planning process.
• Monitors expenditures and works within budget parameters.
• Manages supplies and equipment for the Recreation Therapy and Wellness Services Programs.
• Develops and coordinates volunteer programs for the Arizona State Veteran Home. Acts as a liaison between the facility and community organizations and stakeholders.
• Orients, trains, assigns, supervises, and evaluates volunteers.
• Maintains volunteer records. Supervises the student internship program.
• Conducts on-going in-service training for volunteers and interns.
• Reviews Activities/Recreational Therapy policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards.
• Creates new policies and procedures as needed.
• Completes special projects, as assigned.
• Attends agency meetings and serves on various committees.
• Gathers and presents data/information. Prepares reports as needed/requested.
• Actively involved in AMS processes such as huddle boards, problem solving, Job Breakdown Sheets, success tracking, and standardized work.
• Participates fully in the QAPI process, our Quality Assurance and performance Improvement program mandate by CMS, which incorporates AMS.
  

Knowledge of:

• State administrative rules and policies
• Rules, policies, and procedures governing the agency and work section
• Principles and practices of program administration and supervision
• Federal, State, and agency rules, regulations, and laws governing the practices of therapeutic interventions and treatment within a long-term care facility
• Principles, practices, and techniques of recreation therapy
• Alternative therapeutic modalities
• Physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of the dementia patient
• Community resources

Skills in:

• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management skills
• Recreation therapy activities skills
• Observing and assessing behavior and progress of patients
• Developing and carrying out patient behavioral care plans within an interdisciplinary team concept
• Networking skills
• Public speaking skills
• Computer skills
• Supervisory/leadership skills

Ability to:

• Observe and assess the needs of the resident and apply the appropriate non- medical therapeutic modality
• Develop therapeutic relationships with residents
• Transport residents in a state vehicle
  

• Clinical training/experience. Strong background using one or more alternative therapy modalities.

• Must possess at minimum a Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field, OR have or have the ability to obtain a professional certification (ADVS may assist with obtaining the required certification). Accepted certifications include; Certified Recreation Therapist (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation, or National Association of Activity Professionals) or Certified Music Therapist (Certification Board for Music Therapists) or Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant.
• Requires the ability to obtain and retain a valid AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• This position requires driving in the course of State business. Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license.
• This position is subject to the vaccination requirements outlined in CMS Interim Final Rule - Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination (published November 5, 2021) (86 FR 61555)
• Current Negative Tb skin test (Mantoux skin test) within the last 6 months or a written statement from a physician, physician’s assistant or a registered nurse practitioner indicating freedom from tuberculosis, if in the past has had a positive skin test or tuberculosis
  

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Referral Incentives available for qualifying positions
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment
  

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact Human Resources at recruiting@azdvs.gov and 602.781.7032 for assistance.