Therapeutic Activities Worker - SCI Smithfield

Full Job Description

The Department of Corrections at SCI Smithfield is seeking a dedicated and energetic Therapeutic Activities Worker to join our team.

This is a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact by supporting rehabilitation, promoting well-being, and helping individuals build skills that contribute to their success.

If you meet the experience requirements below and are looking for a rewarding career with excellent salary and benefits, we encourage you to apply and bring your talents to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

Requirements

As a Therapeutic Activities Worker with the Department of Corrections, you will play an important role in supporting inmate rehabilitation by monitoring progress toward therapeutic recreation goals and contributing to a structured, treatment-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and document inmate progress in meeting individualized therapeutic recreation objectives.
• Participate in planning, developing, and implementing both individual and group therapeutic recreation programs.
• Conduct formal assessments to evaluate inmate functioning levels, strengths, and needs, and use this information to create tailored therapeutic recreation goals for review by a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Determine appropriate methods and interventions to help inmates achieve therapeutic goals, coordinating activities with other treatment disciplines.
• Lead individual and group therapeutic recreation sessions, providing instruction, guidance, and support.
• Implement, evaluate, and adjust therapeutic recreation programming to meet each inmate’s needs, interests, and abilities.
• Assist with crisis intervention and problem resolution as issues arise within the unit.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals develop skills, structure, and positive coping strategies within a therapeutic environment.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

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:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be 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 for additional information.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.

Additional 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/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.