Recreational Therapist

Job Title

Recreational Therapist I (250008E4)

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Wrentham, MA

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is looking for an enthusiastic and inspirational Recreational Therapist I (RT 1) to work at the Wrentham Developmental Center. The RT 1 will develop and implement therapeutic goals and objectives for recreational services, planning, organizing, and conducting recreation activities—including pool use—based on individuals’ interests and abilities.

• Develop and implement support plans by selecting recreation activities designed to successfully achieve goals and objectives.
• Assess consumers’ needs for therapeutic goals and objectives for recreational development and determine the methods of instruction to be used.
• Ensure engagement of meaningful activities to meet individual’s recreational and day program goals.
• Participate in data collection and documentation on progress.
• Program development based on Individual assessments and Individual Service Plan (ISP) data.

• Basic computer knowledge needed.
• Prior experience working in a recreational program setting.
• Experience with assessments/documentation.
• Experience with correlation of data.
• Program Development experience.

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Full Time – 40 hours per week. Working 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for 4 days and 1 evening from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. per week. Days off:
Friday and Saturday. The evening shift will be coordinated with your supervisor to meet the needs of the Department. Flexibility required.

The mission of DDS is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—including Autism Spectrum Disorder—to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre‑employment screening, which includes a criminal background check (CORI) and a National Background Check with fingerprint credentials. The Office of Human Resources will verify any college‑level degrees and required licensure. Information provided is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time, technical or professional experience in planning, organizing, instituting, or conducting therapeutic recreation services in a recognized public or private agency, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience in the substitution below.

Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor’s or higher degree with a major in recreation, recreation education, creative arts therapy or therapeutic recreation may be substituted for the required experience. Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Special Requirements: possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure. For all bargaining unit positions, compensation will apply within the range of $49,953.02 to $66,925.56 yearly.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a…