DEPT OF VETERAN SERVICES

Address:

6051 E 34 St

Yuma, AZ 85365  

Salary: 47,000.00 to 50,000.00 Annually (DOE) 

Grade: 20

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.

In this position the ideal candidate 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
• Recruitment and training of staff/volunteers

Skills in:

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

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.

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field.
• Requires certification as a Recreation Therapist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification or the National Association of Activity Professionals, or certification as a Music Therapist by the Certification Board for Music Therapists, or credential as a 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 outlines 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