Job Information
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Forensic Therapeutic Activities Worker - Torrance State Hospital in Pennsylvania
Forensic Therapeutic Activities Worker - Torrance State Hospital
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Forensic Therapeutic Activities Worker - Torrance State Hospital
Salary
$53,047.00 - $77,321.00 Annually
Location
Westmoreland County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2024-12802-31385
Department
Department of Human Services
Division
HS Torrance St Hosp
Opening Date
11/27/2024
Closing Date
12/11/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
31385
Position Number
00112750
Union
SEIU Local 668
Bargaining Unit
F4
Pay Group
ST06
Bureau / Division Code
00210973
Bureau / Division
Torrance State Hospital
Worksite Address
121 Longview Drive
City
Torrance, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
15779
Contact Name
Missy Ardinger
Contact Email
mardinger@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Are you a creative and compassionate individual who is looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others? The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is actively seeking a Forensic Therapeutic Activities Worker to join our dynamic activities team at Torrance State Hospital. In this impactful role, you will design, implement, and assess therapeutic activities that are key components of individualized treatment plans, contributing to the comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation of forensic patients. Do not miss this opportunity to contribute to a rewarding cause—apply now and embark on a fulfilling career path!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will play a vital part in the treatment team, creating therapeutic interventions tailored to meet the specific needs of patients at our regional forensic psychiatric center. You will design and lead both large and small group activities that serve as key treatment interventions, aligned with each patient's care plan goals. Your group interventions will be crafted to address patient needs in an innovative and creative way. Regular monitoring and documentation of patient progress will be an essential part of your responsibilities. Additionally, you will assess patient needs using an initial and annual activity assessment tool, ensuring that your work supports the individualized treatment objectives of each patient.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00112750) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
Work hours are 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday - Saturday, with a 30-minute lunch.
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.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
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 course work 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 three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) 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 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 willnotbe 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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov .
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.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
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/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Have you successfully completed or are you within three months of completing a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation; physical education; vocational rehabilitation, vocational education or counseling; art, music, dance, or occupational therapies; or a related human services field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
02
If you are withing three months completing a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation; physical education; vocational rehabilitation, vocational education or counseling; art, music, dance, or occupational therapies; or a related human services field, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.
03
How much college coursework have you completed in therapeutic recreation; education; vocational rehabilitation, education, or counseling; therapy (art, dance, music, occupational, physical, vocational, recreation, etc.); anthropology; counseling; criminology; gerontology; human behavior; psychology; social work/social welfare; sociology; professional nursing; or occupational or physical rehabilitation? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
120 credits or more
90 but less than 120 credits
60 but less than 90 credits
30 but less than 60 credits
Less than 30 credits
None
04
How many years of full-time experience in providing therapeutic activities for individuals with physical, medical, or cognitive disabilities do you possess?
4 years or more
3 years but less than 4 years
2 years but less than 3 years
1 year but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None
05
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
06
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
07
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – DEVELOP GOALS AND MAINTAIN RECORDS
Develop therapeutic recreation goals and objectives to implement, monitor and evaluate the therapeutic recreation segments of established comprehensive individual program plans. Maintain administrative and clinical records of therapeutic recreation services planned and provided to meet departmental requirements.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience developing therapeutic recreation goals and objectives to implement, monitor or evaluate segments of individual program plans; AND maintaining administrative or clinical records of therapeutic recreation services planned and provided to meet departmental requirements.
B. I have experience developing goals and objectives to implement, monitor or evaluate segments of individual program plans; AND maintaining administrative or clinical records; ALL in a field other than therapeutic recreation services.
C. I have experience maintaining administrative or clinical records of services planned and provided.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to therapeutic recreation.
E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
08
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
Your experience developing goals and objectives or maintaining records
The field your experience is in
Your specific duties and responsibilities
09
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
10
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – MEETING TREATMENT PLAN GOALS
Provide instruction, direction, and support to patients/individuals involved in therapeutic recreation services to encourage progress in relation to treatment plan goals. Document the progress of patients/individuals in relation to treatment plan goals. Assess and refer patients/individuals to other therapeutic activities or clinical services as needed.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience providing instruction, direction, or support to patients/individuals involved in therapeutic recreation services to encourage progress in relation to treatment plan goals; AND documenting the progress of those patients/individuals toward those goals; AND assessing and referring patients/individuals to other therapeutic activities or clinical services as needed.
B. I have experience providing instruction, direction, or support to patients/individuals to encourage progress in relation to treatment plan goals; AND documenting the progress of those patients/individuals toward those goals; AND assessing and referring patients/individuals to other activities or clinical services as needed; ALL in a field other than therapeutic recreation services.
C. I have experience documenting the progress of patients/individuals toward plan goals; OR referring patients/individuals to other activities or clinical services as needed.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to therapeutic recreation, art, dance or music therapy, or psychology.
E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
11
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
Your experience providing instruction, direction or support to individuals
Your experience documenting progress, or assessing or referring individuals
Was your experience therapeutic recreation related
Your specific duties and responsibilities
12
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
13
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – TEAM MEETINGS
Attend multi-disciplinary team meetings to recommend the use of specific therapeutic recreation methods for individual program plans.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have attended multi-disciplinary team meetings to recommend the use of specific therapeutic recreation methods for individual program plans.
B. I have attended multi-disciplinary team meetings in a field other than therapeutic recreation services and made recommendations.
C. I have attended multi-disciplinary team meetings to report patient/individual progress in meeting activity goals and objectives.
D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.
14
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
Your experience recommending the use of methods for plans or making recommendations
The team meetings you have attended related to therapeutic recreation or other
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – DIRECT AIDES AND PLAN ACTIVITIES
Direct and instruct volunteers in conducting individual and group therapeutic recreation activities, such as arts and crafts, gardening, physical activities and games, library activities, music appreciation activities, socialization activities, and off-grounds activities, to enable aides to be capable of instructing patients/individuals. Plan and conduct facility-wide events, such as holiday dinner-dances, fairs, picnics, Special Olympics, and seasonal activities, for patients/individuals.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have experience directing or instructing volunteers or other individuals in conducting individual or group therapeutic recreation activities, such as the ones listed above, to enable them to instruct patients, AND planning or conducting facility-wide events for patients/individuals.
B. I have experience directing or instructing volunteers or other individuals in conducting individual or group activities, OR planning or conducting facility-wide events for patients/individuals.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to art, music, or dance therapy.
D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
16
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
Your experience directing or instructing aides
Your experience planning or conducting events
The field your experience is in
Your specific duties and responsibilities
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Agency
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
