Recreational Therapist

About the role

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work The Licensed Recreational Therapist (LRT) position offers an opportunity to work at the DSB Career and Training Center (CTC) in Raleigh with adults of all ages, as well as teens as young as 14 during a summer program. The primary purpose of the position is to provide individualized, comprehensive assessments for people who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired who are referred to the Center by Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors from offices across the state. In collaboration with each participant, the LRT develops and implements individualized goals and interventions. This position also plans and facilitates a wide range of group activities. Individual and group programming includes activities related to leisure education, adaptive exercise, social skills, problem solving, coping skills, adventure/challenge programs, sports and recreation skills, and other therapeutic initiatives. This LRT position is a second-shift role, working Sunday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. As a second-shift position, it is eligible for differential pay. Additional hours or shifts may occasionally be required. The Center is closed for all state holidays and has planning days several times a year during breaks between programming. Duties are performed with considerable independence while operating within Division policies and guidelines. Job responsibilities include: - Providing instruction in Leisure Education and Therapeutic Recreation areas that enable participants to achieve their independent living and vocational employment goals. - Applying expertise in therapeutic recreation to develop individualized plans that enhance awareness of community resources, promote independence, improve overall health and well-being, and support an improved quality of life. - Developing comprehensive recreational therapy programs that incorporate assessment tools, progress notes, and evaluation forms. - Planning, implementing, and evaluating quality recreation programs and services based on individual assessments of needs, interests, and abilities. - Providing written and verbal reports to interdisciplinary teams. - Coordinate and collaborate with participants, interdisciplinary team members, vendors, and community organizations. - Assist participants in learning to use technology to access resources in their communities. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences This recruitment is to fill two vacant positions 6043175 and 60043195. Salary Range: $41,407.00 - $62,111.00 Recruitment Range: $41,407.00 - $54,069.00 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they have the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The following Management Preferences are not required, but applicants that possess these skills are preferred: - Three years of experience working with individuals who are visually impaired, blind, and deafblind - A working knowledge and useable skills of CPR/first aid and AED - Ability to work additional hours/shifts when needed - Lifeguard certified Position is funded in part through federal funds. Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date. About the NC Division of Services for the Blind (DSB): The Division of Services for the Blind provides services to people who are visually impaired, blind and deaf- blind to help them reach their goals of independence and employment. Compensation and Benefits: The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for benefits . Supplemental Contact Information: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ . DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitm