Therapeutic Activities Worker - North Central Secure Treatment Unit

Are you a compassionate and creative individual who is looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others? The Department of Human Services, Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services, is seeking an energetic and motivated Therapeutic Activities Worker to join our North Central Secure Treatment Unit. In this role, you will develop, implement, and evaluate therapeutic activities programs as part of an overall treatment and habilitation plan for the adjudicated delinquent youth placed in our care. If you have a genuine passion for helping people, thrive in collaborative environments, and are eager to launch a rewarding and purpose-driven career, do not miss this exceptional opportunity!

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!

In this position, you will design, schedule, coordinate, and lead leisure and recreational programs for individual and group youth participants. Activities may include athletics, sports, games, hobbies, creative arts and crafts, and social recreation. You will contribute to program planning, organization, and evaluation while supervising youth during activities to ensure safe and meaningful participation. These programs are intended to motivate youth and provide opportunities to express their talents through individual or group involvement, offering recreational, therapeutic, or avocational benefits. In addition, you will provide guidance to non-professional activity staff and volunteer workers. You will also participate in seminars, meetings, training sessions, and staff development opportunities to maintain and enhance job skills and ensure the delivery of high-quality services to delinquent youth.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours will be determined through shift work consisting of 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with no duty free meal period. 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.
• You must be willing to accept employment at North Central Secure Treatment Unit located in Montour County.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $55,436.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

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 3 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.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

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.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

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.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.