Activity Therapy Program Coordinator

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!

The Activity Therapy Program Coordinator is an essential position within the DE Hospital for the Chronically Ill. This multi-faceted role serves as both the manager and central point of contact for the Connect Community program. As the program manager, you’ll communicate with the residents and Interdisciplinary Team to ensure all interactions are therapeutic and effective and care plan requirements are being fulfilled. While representing the Connect Community program, your duties vary: engaging stakeholders; recruiting new members; planning and running events with the Engagement team; and contributing to ongoing program development and expansion efforts. Join the DHCI team and support these meaningful efforts!

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 directs activity and occupational therapy programs in a State institution; Coordinates activities department efforts with other department.
• Recruits, hires, trains, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of activities staff engaged in planning and implementing the activities in the institution; Plans, develops and schedules an on-going program of staff development for activities personnel.
• Assures the provision of appropriate activities and assures adherence to established policies and standards to in the provision of activity therapies.
• Maintains liaison with community groups and resources to encourage their participation in special events and the integration of department activities with community resources.
• Maintains statistical and other records on the utilization of activity services and prepares reports on programs and operations.
• Develops a budget of anticipated program expenditures for staff, supplies, materials and equipment; Monitors expenditures and use of supplies and equipment.
• Evaluates effectiveness of programs and oversees the implementation of new or revised programs.
• May be responsible for reality and remotivation sessions for patients.

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

1. Possession of one of the following certifications/registrations: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Certified Music Therapist, Certified Art Therapist, Certified Drama Therapist, Certified Dance/Movement Therapist, Certified Activities Director, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, or Registered Occupational Therapist.
2. Three years experience in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating a therapeutic activity program.
3. Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
4. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
5. Six months experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.

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.

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.

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.

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 StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

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.