Therapeutic Activities Worker - Norristown State Hospital
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Therapeutic Activities Worker - Norristown State Hospital
Salary
$51,971.00 - $79,062.00 Annually
Location
Montgomery County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2026-46106-31920
Department
Department of Human Services
Division
HS Norristown St Hosp
Opening Date
04/28/2026
Closing Date
5/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
31920
Position Number
00249361
Union
SEIU Local 668
Bargaining Unit
F4
Pay Group
ST06
Bureau / Division Code
00210671
Bureau / Division
Norristown State Hospital
Worksite Address
1415 Sterigere Street
City
Norristown, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
19401
Contact Name
Talent Management Division
Contact Email
ra-oahhsintakesec@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Are you ready to transform lives through the power of creative engagement and therapeutic recreation at Norristown State Hospital? As a Therapeutic Activities Worker, you will join a dedicated multidisciplinary team where your professional insights directly shape the recovery journey of the individuals we serve. We invite passionate professionals to contribute their expertise to our mission of providing comprehensive, high-quality care in a supportive and collaborative setting. Apply today to make a meaningful difference!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Therapeutic Activities Worker, you will develop, facilitate, and evaluate individualized therapeutic programs designed to meet the specific strengths and clinical needs of each consumer. By teaching work readiness vocational programs-skills training such as food preparation, maintenance, computer skills, and horticulture-you will implement targeted therapeutic methods that align with established treatment goals. You will be responsible for conducting formal functional assessments, documenting progress within clinical records, and maintaining detailed monthly reports on participation and quality assurance. Additionally, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, providing professional feedback to ensure comprehensive care and the successful achievement of treatment objectives.
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=00249361) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. This may change based on operational needs.
Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
FREE parking!
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 coursework 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 3 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 Guidelines.
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.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/hrmoa/resources/generative-ai-hiring-guidance) for additional information.
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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
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 visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
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 with in 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 visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
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 but less than 4 years
2 but less than 3 years
1 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 experience must also 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 will not be 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 work behavior 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 for each work behavior 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 AND IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES
Develops and implements therapeutic activity and vocational rehabilitation programs, goals, and objectives by completing individual assessments including strengths, work history, treatment needs, clinical goals, obstacles to success, and required documentation to ensure within established timeframes and in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory standards.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim
a. I have experience developing and implementing THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION programs, goals, and objectives.
b. I have experience developing or implementing THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION programs, goals, or objectives.
c. I have experience completing individual assessments including strengths, work history, treatment needs, clinical goals, or obstacles to success.
d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to therapeutic activities or vocational rehabilitation.
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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience developing or implementing programs, goals, or objectives.
Your experience completing individual assessments.
09
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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 residents participating in vocational training and therapeutic activities to encourage progress toward treatment plan goals.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
a. I have experience providing instruction, direction, and support to residents participating in vocational training AND therapeutic activities services. This experience was in an institutional setting.
b. I have experience providing instruction, direction, or support to residents participating in vocational training OR therapeutic activities services. This experience was in an institutional setting.
c. I have experience providing instruction, direction, or support to residents participating in vocational training OR therapeutic activities services. This experience was in a group home setting.
d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to occupational therapy or education.
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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience providing instruction, direction, or support to residents participating in vocational training or therapeutic activities services and the setting (institutional, group home, etc.).
12
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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 vocational rehabilitation and therapeutic activities methods for individual treatment plans.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
a. I have experience attending multi-disciplinary team meetings and recommending the use of specific vocational rehabilitation AND therapeutic activities methods for individual treatment plans.
b. I have experience attending multi-disciplinary team meetings and recommending the use of specific vocational rehabilitation OR therapeutic activities methods for individual treatment plans.
c. I have experience attending multi-disciplinary team meetings and reporting individuals 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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience attending multi-disciplinary team meetings and recommending the use of specific vocational rehabilitation OR therapeutic activities methods for individual treatment plans.
Your experience reporting individuals progress in meeting activity goals and objectives..
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - RECORDS
Records residents' work production and behavioral observations to track progress toward individual treatment goals. Documents residents' work hours and resolve payroll discrepancies.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
a. I have experience recording residents' work production and behavioral observations, documenting residents' work hours, AND resolving payroll discrepancies. This experience was in an institutional setting
b. I have experience recording residents' work production and behavioral observation, documenting residents' work hours, OR resolving payroll discrepancies. This experience was in an institutional setting.
c. I have experience recording residents' work production and behavioral observations, documenting residents' work hours, OR resolving payroll discrepancies. This experience was in a group home setting.
d. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to technical writing or computer skills.
e. 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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience recording individuals' work production or behavioral
Your experience documenting individuals' work hours or resolving payroll discrepancies
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
