Title: PERT Residential Activity Specialist - #WWRW0108
State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III
Hiring Range: Starting salary $43,218 comm w/ experience
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs
Location: Wilson Wkfc Rehab Ctn
Agency Website: https://www.wwrc.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
About the Agency
We provide people with disabilities comprehensive, individualized services to realize optimal personal independence and employment. We strive to be the preferred provider of comprehensive vocational rehabilitation for Virginians with Disabilities. We apply our shared values; Ethical, Engaged, and Effective, to everything we do.
About the Position
The PERT Residential Team at Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) is seeking a PERT Residential Activity Specialist. The individual in this position will be responsible for coordinating and programming dorm resources for youth with disabilities enrolled in the PERT Program at WWRC, as well as documenting student responses to programming and learning goals for use in education and rehabilitation transition planning in the students’ home communities after exiting WWRC. The role is accountable for creating and implementing a safe “living and learning” residential environment for participating PERT students within an educational and rehabilitation developmental framework that promotes positive self-esteem and social and independent living skills.
The position also serves as the credit card holder for the residential side of PERT. The specialist must maintain accurate logs and keep all required documentation, submitting logs in a timely manner.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and deliver residential, recreation, and leisure programming for PERT students.
Create and maintain a safe, supportive “living and learning” environment that promotes social and independent living skills.
Observe and document student participation, behavior, and progress; communicate daily with PERT staff to ensure continuity of services.
Serve on the Independent Living Skills Assessment Team and evaluate students in room cleaning, laundry, hygiene knowledge, and related skills.
Compile assessment results, collaborate with IL teachers, and support ongoing improvement of assessment tools.
Assist with virtual delivery of Independent Living modules, including pre‑testing, post‑testing, and completion reports.
Maintain accurate logs and required documentation as the residential credit card holder; submit logs on time and follow purchasing rules.
Work Schedule
Works a rotating schedule that may include day, evening, and night shifts based on student presence and program needs.
Required to be on site five days per week as part of WWRC’s direct‑service mission.
Any request for regular telework (even one day per week) must be submitted to the Center Director and may require approval from the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of characteristics of adolescent behaviors and positive intervention techniques; characteristics of diverse disabilities and implications for recreational programming; needs of youth with disabilities and their families in the transition from school-to-work; diverse indoor and outdoor sports, games, and other recreation activities and related accommodations/adaptations for special needs populations; and group dynamics. Demonstrated skills in: assessment of student learning needs related to recreational activities; planning and implementation of individual and group recreation/leisure skill programs targeting adolescents; teamwork/coaching with adolescents; application of positive intervention strategies to challenging behaviors which may be presented in a residential setting; use of appropriate restraints in emergency situations; client-focused advocacy; and, effective oral and written communication. Demonstrated abilities to: plan, implement, and evaluate recreational/leisure skill programming; anticipate and respond immediately to individual and group crisis/emergency situations; manage challenging behaviors and enforce disciplinary measures while retaining respect and confidence from PERT participants and PERT/WWRC staff; balance workload responsibilities with competing organizational priorities; and complete work assignments both independently and as an effective team member.
Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification Required for Entry into Position:
Training and/or related work experience in adaptive Physical Education and/or the planning and provision of recreation/leisure activities for youth with disabilities strongly preferred. Training in principles and techniques of recreation assessment and programming, as well as behavior intervention techniques highly desirable. Progressive work experience in a residential education and/or rehabilitation setting with youth with disabilities strongly preferred.
License to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia or ability to obtain such within two (2) weeks of employment required.
Additional Considerations
N/A
Special Instructions
• This position has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2 1201.1.
• A fingerprint based criminal history check will be required of the finalist.
Benefits:
WWRC offers a comprehensive benefits package to include your choice of health insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, VRS retirement, employer paid basic group life insurance, employee paid optional group life, 13 paid holidays, Sick Leave, Annual Leave, Family Personal Leave, employee discount programs, and much more!
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.
Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.
To Apply:
Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé are submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.