Therapeutic Activities Aide

Are you a compassionate individual who likes to make connections with others? Would you like to facilitate enriching activities that enhance the lives of our residents? The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Southwestern Veterans' Center is seeking a Therapeutic Activities Aide. If you are an ambitious, confident, and energetic individual committed to providing amazing resident care and encouraging resident interaction, then this job is for you!

Click here to learn more about the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

As a Therapeutic Activities Aide, you will lead activity sessions that enhance resident physical, cognitive, and social abilities. You will plan, organize, and schedule recreational and educational activities and outings. You will conduct and participate in social parties, dances, dinners, table games, field trips, shopping, exercise, and leisure time spectator activities as well as instruct or assist residents individually and in group sessions. You will also provide transportation or escort residents to and from programs and activities. This role requires active engagement and the ability to sustain interest that will have a positive impact on resident socialization, interpersonal relationships, self-respect, self-esteem, and initiative. In addition, you will maintain adequate inventory of therapeutic activity supplies and equipment, create a safe and cordial atmosphere for residents and visitors, and observe resident behavior in order to provide information on their progress, strengths, and needs.

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 are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • You will work every weekend and alternating holidays, with two consecutive days off during the week.
  • Your schedule may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime and travel as needed
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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:

• Six months of work experience providing care to individuals requiring assistance with daily activities; or
• Six months of experience as an Aide Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• 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 Older Adult Protective Services Act.
  • Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.