Activity Therapist I

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Incumbent is responsible for planning, implementing, and conducting therapeutic activities designed to meet the social, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, educational, and physical needs and interests of the residents in accordance with their person-centered care plan. Conducts initial and on-going activity assessments to determine the needs, interests, capabilities, and deficiencies of each individual as they relate to participation in activities and community re-entry and documents information in resident electronic records. Develops plans of care. Develops Dementia based activity programming.  Assists in the orientation and training of non-professional staff; assists staff in developing skills in working with individuals. Documents individual's attendance in groups, response to activities and other pertinent observations. Provides coverage for planned activities in the absence of regularly assigned staff. Maintains records and prepares reports.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Plans and conducts a therapeutic program of individual, group, social or recreational activities such as games, dances, movies and field trips. 
   
• Conducts small group and individualized activities for individuals unable to participate in large groups.
   
• Conducts activity assessments to determine the needs, interests, capabilities and deficiencies of each individual as they relate to participation in activities and community re-entry.
   
• Assists in the orientation and training of non-professional staff who conduct therapeutic activities; assists staff in developing skills in working with individuals.
   
• Charts an individual's attendance in groups, response to activities and other pertinent observations.
   
• Provides coverage for planning activities in absence of regularly assigned staff.
   
• Maintains records and prepares reports.  

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Activity Therapist I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in planning, organizing and leading group activities.
2. Six months experience in working with persons with disabilities.
3. Six months experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
4. Six months experience in narrative report writing.

Due to a new requirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the following mandate is effective January 27, 2022: As a condition of employment, employees providing health care services and/or support services in covered facilities must show proof that they have received the dose of a single J&J dose or the 1st dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine effective date January 27, 2022, and proof of the single J&J dose or the 2nd dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine by February. 28, 2022. Employees may not provide any care, treatment, or other services until proof is provided.  Based on CMS guidance, the date for compliance may extend into March due to the health care facilities high vaccination rate of staff.  If you accept a position with the facility, your Human Resources representative can provide more guidance.  The only exception to these requirements is for those employees granted medical or religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which may require weekly COVID-19 testing. This will be in effect until further notice.  More information can be found here. A writing sample will be requested at the time of interview.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Pre-employment Drug Testing:  Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process. Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

Upon a conditional offer, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment base line two step tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the hiring process.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.  This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at Delaware State Jobs.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.