The New Hampshire Veterans Home has a full-time vacancy for Recreational Assistant I-II.

Make a difference in a Veteran’s Life!

Build a career and a life in the beautiful lakes region.

Be part of a team committed to providing the best quality of life for NH Veterans with dignity, honor and respect. Learn more about the NH Veterans Home on our website: Welcome | New Hampshire Veterans Home (nh.gov) and view our Facebook page to see the NHVH team working together.

The Veterans Home is a NH State Agency providing a total compensation package for full time employees. See information at the bottom of this posting for details.

Summary:

Recreational Assistant I

SCOPE OF WORK: To provide routine services in recreational therapy program(s) at the NH Veterans Home.

Recreational Assistant II

SCOPE OF WORK: Lead, develop and implement recreational activities for residents at the New Hampshire Veterans Home.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS - Under a recent change to the rules, an applicant's relevant experience now counts towards formal education degrees referenced below! See Per 405.1 .

18 Months of additional relevant experience = Associate's degree

36 Months of additional relevant experience = Bachelor's degree

54 Months of additional relevant experience = Master's degree

Recreational Assistant I

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High school diploma or high school equivalency credential. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Experience: One year of experience in recreational work involving persons with mental, emotional or physical disabilities.

License/Certification: Must possess a valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with gerontology and/or dementia and Alzheimer’s patients/residents are preferred. Prefer Certified Activity professional or eligibility for same.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Must be able to communicate and work effectively and efficiently with all members of the team.

Employees may be promoted to the Recreation Assistant II level based on the following requirements:

a. Completion of a minimum of one (1) year in the position.
b. A successful performance evaluation.
c. The recommendation of the supervisor.

PREFERRED WORK TRAITS: Knowledge of individual & group behavior and effective ways of working with the elderly, handicapped and dementia residents. Knowledge of the kinds of activity involved in planned sessions of therapeutic recreation. Ability to learn new skills related to assigned activities. Knowledge of current social and health issues and their social applications. Ability to work cooperatively with NHVH staff, volunteers and residents. Ability to learn and apply the principles and practices of recreational therapy as taught and demonstrated in an advanced in-service and/or external training program(s). Ability to establish and maintain communication with residents and to recognize major needs and issues of residents as individuals and/or groups. Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.

Recreational Assistant II

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education : High school diploma or high school equivalency credential. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Experience: Two years of experience in recreational work involving persons with mental, emotional or physical disabilities.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Must possess a valid driver's license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

2. Must be able to communicate and work effectively and efficiently with all members of the team.

PREFERRED WORK TRAITS: Knowledge of individual and group behavior and effective ways of working with people. Knowledge of the kinds of activity involved in planned sessions of recreation. Knowledge of current social and health problems and their social applications. Ability to establish and maintain communication with patients and to recognize major needs and problems of patients as individuals and groups. Ability to follow ward and escort procedures and apply precautions and appropriate techniques for assisting patients in emergencies. Ability to provide leadership and assist patients. Ability to supervise subordinate activity aids and volunteers. Ability to learn new skills related to assigned activities. Ability to prepare reports and maintain records. Ability to work cooperatively with NHVH staff, volunteers and patients. Must be willing to maintain appearance appropriate to assigned duties and responsibilities as determined by the agency appointing authority.

Responsibilities:

Recreational Assistant I

Facilitate and monitor residents in individual/group recreational activities.

Plan, Develop, implement and lead daily activity groups, trips, and special events.

Conduct activity assessments.

Complete required and related documentation and care plans.

Escort residents to and from activity treatment areas.

Transcribe data on resident progress reports and records.

Transfer and supervise residents on planned recreational trips when assigned.

Contribute to team projects and collaborate with other departments to meet residents’ needs.

Assist residents in setting up and eating their meals following established guidelines.

Recreational Assistant II

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Supervise residents and volunteers in group and individual recreational activities and events.

Conduct recreation and activity assessments for new and current residents. Complete required documentation for assessments and care plans.

Participate in resident care plan meetings and recommend and/or implement appropriate individualized treatment plans.

Assist in planning and scheduling of recreational activities and events.

Organize and monitor various activities and events and makes changes as appropriate or necessary.

Prepares and writes reports in addition to maintaining records.

Oversees, develops and/or implements quality of life initiatives and programs.

Communicate and assist residents with other daily needs, as necessary.

Disclaimer Statement : The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

For further information please contact Jennifer Mitchell, Recreational Therapist II, by email: jennifer.s.mitchell@nhvh.nh.gov or phone: (603) 527-4815.

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits is based on the employee's union status, and employee per pay period health benefit contributions will vary depending on the type of plan selected.

See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 14.53% of pay

Other Benefits:

* Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)

* Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

*State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

• Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan

• $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance

• Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:

https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964