WDVA Recreation Therapy Specialist, Memory Care, Full-Time - Permanent, Washington Veterans Home

Description

• This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

Duties

Some of what you'll do:

• Complete monthly activity calendar, with a balance of large group, small group, and one-on-one activities for residents.
• Assess and monitor each resident's individual recreation interests and participation and track progress toward therapeutic goals in medical records and Point Click Care.
• Order, purchase, and plan supplies as needed.
• Invite, encourage, and assist residents to and from programs; meet with residents for activity calendar input.
• Lead setup for activities; decorate, move tables, haul equipment, install loaner televisions as needed, and push residents in wheelchairs to/from activities throughout the facility.
• Drive residents on outings, securing wheelchairs and residents in bus.
• Engage in scheduled activities with residents for optimum participation.
• Supervise and train Recreation Specialist 1 on calendar planning, documentation process, and encourage professional development of these employees.
• Supervise and direct individual volunteers and groups of volunteers.
• Drive facility vehicles.
• And more!

Qualifications

Required:

• A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Experience must be relevant to the position.
• Bachelor's degree involving major study in recreation, therapeutic recreation, a related field, or one (1) year of experience as a Recreation & Athletics Specialist 1.

• Knowledge and experience in facilitation recreation programs and conducting sensory one-on-one sessions.
• Must have:
  • Food worker card.
  • Skills to drive a wheelchair vehicle/bus.
  • Valid driver's license or be able to obtain a valid driver's license within two weeks of starting.

• CDL driving certification with passenger endorsement.
• Dementia care certification and knowledge and experience providing recreation programs for residents with dementia at all stages of the disease process.
• Experience and training completing the MDS 3.0 for recreation therapy and in Point Click Care.

• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.
• Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards. Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and be capable of reaching a minimum of 36" using proper technique to stock shelves and access supplies. Employee must also be able to push or pull with sufficient strength and walk, sit, and bend in an unrestricted manner during the entire workday.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and be willing to work as needed.
• Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.
• Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
• Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Supplemental Information

Application Process:

Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers and email addresses.

Other Information:

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.