DEPT OF VETERAN SERVICES

Address:

4141 North S. Herrera Way

Phoenix, AZ 85012 

Salary: $15.00 to 18.50/Hourly 

Eligible weekend shifts receive supplemental pay 10% Base Pay

Grade: 17

Closing Date: 

This position may be eligible to receive a temporary stipend of 10% in addition to base pay beginning in December 2021. If eligible, the temporary stipend amount will be calculated using the employee's base rate of pay and will be reflected in each paycheck. It is anticipated that this temporary stipend will be available through June 30, 2022.

This position plans, develops and implements therapeutic recreation programs consistent with established federal, state and VA regulations and facility policies and procedures. Maintains clinical and administrative records. Attends and participates in care plan meetings. Maintains therapy space, supplies and equipment. Transports Veterans/Members to and from community outings. Follows department policies and procedures applicable to assigned job responsibilities. Complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Completes projects as assigned. Learns, implements and monitors Arizona Management System (AMS) methods. Incorporates a cultural focus on Veteran/Member-centered care in the performance of job duties.

• Plans and develops therapeutic recreation programs.
• Develops a monthly recreation calendar and submits it to the Manager for approval.
• Maintains Activities/Recreational Therapy bulletin board.
• Purchases items needed for planned programming according to state procurement rules.
• Maintains a personal caseload of assigned Veterans/Members.
• Conducts recreational therapy sessions with individuals and groups in accordance with established treatment plans and specific methodologies and techniques. Programs may include special community events and involvement with community and veteran service organizations.
• Maintains appropriate clinical and administrative records regarding diagnosis, treatment and summary of Veteran/Member progress.
• Responsible for completion of all therapeutic recreation assessments, care plans, MDS, CAS modules, participation records/daily attendance and progress notes.
• 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.
• Participates in special projects as assigned by the Activities/Recreation Therapy Manager. Participates in staff meetings and attends in-service training.
• Learns, implements and monitors Arizona Management System (AMS) methods.
• Utilizes AMS concepts and tools for problem solving and work process improvements.
• Actively participates in AMS processes such as Huddle Boards, Problem Solving, Job Breakdown Sheets, Success Tracking and Standardized Work.
• Fully participates in the QAPI program, our Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement program mandate by CMS, which incorporates AMS concepts.
• Maintains therapy space, supplies and equipment in clean, orderly and operational condition.
• Transports Veterans/Members to and from community outings using State Vehicles.
• Acts as guide and trip leader to ensure proper Veteran/Member participation and safety.

Knowledge of:

• Rules, regulations, policies and procedures that govern the agency, section and work unit
• Therapeutic value of recreational activities
• Principles, practices and techniques of recreational therapy
• Methods used to accomplish therapeutic goals through recreational programs
• Community resources for recreational activities

Skills in:

• Applying recreational therapy techniques
• Demonstrating therapeutic recreation/activities
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Work management skills
• Basic computer skills

Ability to:

• Transport residents in State vehicle

• Must possess at minimum a Bachelors degree OR professional certification. Degree must be in Therapeutic Recreation or a related
  field. 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. Certification must be valid upon hire or obtained within one year of placement into position.
• Required to drive on State business; must possess a valid Arizona driver's license.
• Must possess a valid AZ Department of Public Safety (DPS) Fingerprint Clearance card.
• 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)

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
• 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