Recreational Therapy Aide; DOH​/NMVH

Overview

Salary
$15.00 - $22.50 Hourly
$31,200 - $46,800 Annually
Pay Band C1

Location
Truth or Consequences, NM

The New Mexico State Veterans’ Home is located on sixteen picturesque acres in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. It provides long-term and skilled nursing services for honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, or parents of veterans killed in combat action. The facility has 131 nursing home, skilled-nursing living beds and delivers services 24/7 under a personalized plan of care developed by licensed health professionals.

Recreational Therapist Aide assists 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 onsite, 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.
• Monitors residents during group and individual activities to ensure safety, engagement, and dignity.
• Assists residents with feeding, grooming, and transport to and from activities as needed.
• 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.

The primary customers are veterans who answered the nation’s call and are unable to live in their communities due to health needs. The role also supports widows of service members and parents who have lost children in combat (Gold Star Parents).

Enthusiastic and motivated to engage residents in recreational and social activities. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with veterans, families, volunteers, and staff. Demonstrates respect and understanding of veterans’ backgrounds, military culture, and individual life experiences. Dependable and team-oriented, able to support recreation staff in planning and delivering programs. Creative and resourceful in assisting with group activities, special events, and seasonal celebrations.

Flexible and adaptable to changing schedules, resident interests, and program needs. Organized and attentive to detail when setting up, tracking participation, and maintaining program supplies. Comfortable leading small group programs such as games, crafts, music, or discussion groups. Positive attitude with a focus on creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for residents.

High School…