Recreational Therapy Aide (DOH/NMVH #46734)

Salary

$15.45 - $23.18 Hourly
$32,136 - $48,204 Annually

About the role

This position is a Pay Band C1.
Posting Details: THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.
APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
THIS POSTING MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS.
*APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH & YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*

Responsibilities

• Affords assistance in the delivery of recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
• Assists in providing meaningful therapeutic, medically approved recreation activities to residents to improve and maintain physical, social, and emotional well-being.
• Escorts or transports residents to daily activities conducted either on site, on facility grounds, or in the community.
• Assists with loading/unloading residents safely onto buses, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices for recreational outings.
• Prepares, sanitizes, distributes, and retrieves supplies, materials, and adaptive equipment used during recreational programs.
• Maintains oversight of residents during group and individual activities to ensure safety, engagement, and dignity.
• Supports veterans in making choices about leisure activities and encourages independence in decision-making.
• Observes resident behavior and participation, reporting changes in mood, behavior, or engagement to the Recreational Therapist or Nursing staff.
• Provides companionship to residents, including conversation, reading, and supporting social interactions.
• Leads or co-leads small group programs such as games, arts and crafts, music, exercise, gardening, and special interest clubs.
• Supports holiday observances, military recognition events, cultural programs, and family visitation activities.
• Assists with organizing and hosting special events such as Veteran recognition ceremonies, community volunteer visits, and intergenerational programs.
• Helps maintain accurate attendance records, equipment inventories, and program documentation.
• Prepares bulletin boards, newsletters, and postings to promote upcoming activities and special events.
• Provides one-on-one in-room activities for residents unable to attend group sessions.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and respect for the special needs of aging veterans, including those with dementia, PTSD, mobility impairments, and other chronic conditions.
• Assists in the maintenance, cleaning, and safe storage of recreational supplies, crafts, and equipment.
• Participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the Recreation Therapy Department and overall resident well-being.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Designated safety sensitive position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid American Heart Association BLS / CPR Certification.
• Criminal background check pursuant to New Mexico Caregivers Criminal Screening Act, (Sections 29-17-2 through 29-17-5 NMSA 1978 and 7.1.9.1 through 7.1.9.11 NMAC).
• Valid New Mexico driver's license.
• Current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
• Safe Food Handling Certificate or receive within 1 week of date of hire.
• Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.
• Sign and observe confidentiality agreement.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the English language.
• Occasional travel for training & meetings and driving a State of NM owned motor vehicle may be required.
• Lifting, extended hours to meet deadlines may be required.
• Working hours may include on-call, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and callback hours.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic and motivated to engage residents in recreational and social activities. They should demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with veterans, families, volunteers, and staff. They must show respect and understanding of veterans' backgrounds, military culture, and individual life experiences. Dependable and team-oriented, they are able to support recreation staff in planning and delivering programs. Creative and resourceful, they assist with group activities, special events, and seasonal celebrations. Flexible and adaptable, they can support changing schedules, resident interests, and program needs. Organized and attentive to detail, they set up, track participation, and maintain program supplies. Comfortable leading small group programs such as games, crafts, music, or discussion groups. They have a positive attitude with a focus on creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for residents.

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Agency Contact Information

Berna Garcia, (575) 894-4234, Email

Supplemental Information

Click here for information on Total Compensation.
Click here for information on Statutory Requirements for this position.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.