Recreational Therapist I

Description - Internal

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 developing and implementing therapeutic goals and objectives for recreational services. RT 1 is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing recreation activities, including the pool, based on individuals' interests and abilities.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities stated are a general summary and not all inclusive.

• Develop and implement support plans by selecting recreation activities designed to successfully achieve goals and objectives.
• Assess consumer’s 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Agency Requirements:

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

Work Location:

Wrentham, MA

Work Schedule:

Work Schedule:
Full Time - 40 Hours
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.

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (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 ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit:

Pre-Hire Process:

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check.

As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

Qualifications

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: Based on assignment, 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 as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range .

Comprehensive Benefits

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 work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Recreational Therapist I

Primary Location : United States-Massachusetts-Wrentham-Emerald Street

Job : Medical Services

Agency : Department of Developmental Services

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Multiple

Job Posting : Jan 13, 2026, 7:09:33 AM

Number of Openings : 2

Salary : 49,953.02 - 66,925.56 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Christina Hyppolite, [email protected] - 8572835830

Bargaining Unit : 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No