Therapeutic Activities Aide-Wernersville State Hospital (12:30pm to 8:30pm)

Therapeutic Activities Aide-Wernersville State Hospital (12:30pm to 8:30pm)

Salary

$36,831.00 - $54,162.00 Annually

Location

Berks County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-55040-31360

Department

Department of Human Services

Division

HS Wernersville St Hosp

Opening Date

07/28/2026

Closing Date

8/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

31360

Position Number

Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

N1

Pay Group

ST03

Bureau / Division Code

00210781

Bureau / Division

Department of Human Services/Wernersville State Hospital

Worksite Address

160 Main Street

City

Wernersville, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

19565

Contact Name

Talent Management Section

Contact Email

ra-oahhsintakesec@pa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

Join Wernersville State Hospital as a Therapeutic Activities Aide and help support meaningful programming that strengthens personal growth. This role allows you to work directly with individuals who benefit from structured activities that promote confidence, skill building, and emotional wellness. Your guidance will support treatment goals and create positive experiences for participants. Become part of a compassionate team that values encouragement, communication, and dedicated support.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on supporting planned therapeutic activities that help participants strengthen social, emotional, and daily living skills. As a Therapeutic Activities Aide, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Support: Assist in planning and conducting therapeutic activities that promote socialization, self help, and personal growth
• Participant Observation: Observe participant behavior and provide feedback through required documentation
• Safe Escorting: Arrange and support safe movement of participants to and from activity areas
• Equipment Care: Maintain activity materials and request repairs or supplies as needed
• Safety Practices: Ensure activity spaces are hazard free and provide safety guidance to participants and volunteers
• Meeting Participation: Attend planning meetings and share information about activity needs and participant progress

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Hours may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime and travel: as needed
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• The Department of Human Services provides excellent benefits, pay increases, paid leave and holidays, as well as opportunities for career advancement.
• 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:

• Six months of experience as an Aide Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Six months of work experience providing care to individuals requiring assistance with daily activities; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• 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:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and a drug screening.
• 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 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:

• 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/test once for this posting.

• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits 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 visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.

01

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Aide Trainee for six months or more full-time?

• Yes
• No

02

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.

03

How much full-time work experience do you possess providing care to individuals requiring assistance with daily activities?

• 6 months or more
• Less than 6 months
• None

04

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.

05

How many semester credits of college coursework have you successfully completed?

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 visiting www.naces.org and 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.

• 15 credits or more
• Less than 15 credits
• None

06

Have you successfully completed a Nurse Aide or Nursing Assistant certification program?

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 visiting www.naces.org and 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

07

Have you completed workshop training or continuing education classes that is related to human services?

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 visiting www.naces.org and 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

08

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. You must complete the application and answer 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 question 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 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 our FAQ page.

• Yes

09

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - CONDUCTS GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES

Conducts therapeutic activities such as arts and crafts, picnics, field trips, self-care skills training, activities of daily living training, musical activities, athletic games, exercises, leisure time activities, socialization activities, sensory stimulation as well as gross and fine motor activities, prevocational activities, sheltered employment, woodworking, assembly and packaging, and off-ground activities in therapeutic recreation, vocational adjustment, and/or occupational therapy.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have independently conducted some of the therapeutic activities listed above.
• B. I have conducted some of the activities listed above under close supervision OR I have completed college coursework related to the activities listed above.
• C. I have conducted some of the activities listed above as a parent or family member.
• D.I have successfully completed training related to the activities listed above.
• E. I have no experience or training related to the activities listed above.

10

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 employer(s) where you gained this experience
• Your experience conducting group or individual therapeutic activities
• Your duties and level of responsibility

11

If you are claiming education/formal training related to this work behavior, please provide the requested information below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• The Training Source
• The Course Title
• The Credits/Clock Hours You Earned

12

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - OBSERVES INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOR AND RECORDS PROGRESS

Objectively observes an individuals behavior during all types of activities and records changes, improvements, and unusual, abnormal, or inappropriate behavior in an individuals record.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have independently observed and recorded an individuals behavior during the activities as described above.
• B. I have observed some of the activities listed above under close supervision OR I have completed college coursework related to the activities listed above.
• C. I have observed some of the activities listed above as a parent or family member.
• D. I have successfully completed training related to the activities listed above.
• E. I have no experience or training related to the activities listed above.

13

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 employer(s) where you gained this experience
• Your experience observing behavior and recording progress
• Your duties and level of responsibility

14

If you are claiming education/formal training related to this work behavior, please provide the requested information below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• The Training Source
• The Course Title
• The Credits/Clock Hours You Earned

15

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - INSTRUCTS INDIVIDUALS ON APPROPRIATE SAFETY PRACTICES AND PRECAUTIONS AND MONITORS SAFETY CONCERNS

Instructs individuals on the use of supplies and equipment including scissors, electrical equipment, tools, etc. Monitors the safety of the individuals environment including fire safety, child-proofing objects, observing and cleaning up spills, etc.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have independently instructed individuals on some of the activities listed above.
• B. I have instructed individuals on some of the activities listed above under close supervision OR I have completed college coursework related to the activities listed above.
• C. I have instructed individuals on some of the activities listed above as a parent or family member.
• D. I have successfully completed training related to the activities listed above.
• E. I have no experience or training related to the activities listed above.

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 employer(s) where you gained this experience
• Your experience instructing individuals on safety practices and monitoring safety concerns
• Your duties and level of responsibility

17

If you are claiming education/formal training related to this work behavior, please provide the requested information below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• The Training Source
• The Course Title
• The Credits/Clock Hours You Earned

18

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - TEACHES AND ASSISTS INDIVIDUALS WITH DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES

Teaches and assists individuals in basic living activities such as budgeting money, cleaning, cooking, shopping, childcare and hygiene to enable the individuals to live and/or work as independently as possible.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have independently taught and assisted individuals with some of the activities listed above.
• B. I have taught and assisted individuals with some of the activities listed above under close supervision OR I have completed college coursework related to the activities listed above.
• C. I have taught and assisted individuals with some of the activities listed above as a parent or family member.
• D. I have successfully completed training related to the activities listed above.
• E. I have no experience or training related to the activities listed above.

19

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 employer(s) where you gained this experience
• Your experience teaching/assisting with daily living activities
• Your duties and level of responsibility

20

If you are claiming education/formal training related to this work behavior, please provide the requested information below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• The Training Source
• The Course Title
• The Credits/Clock Hours You Earned

21

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - TEACHES AND ASSISTS INDIVIDUALS WITH DAILY LIVING SKILLS

Teaches and assists individuals advanced skills such as independent living, effective listening, problem solving, and conversational skills.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have independently taught and assisted individuals with some of the activities listed above.
• B. I have taught and assisted individuals with some of the activities listed above under close supervision OR I have completed college coursework related to the activities listed above.
• C. I have taught and assisted individuals with some of the activities listed above as a parent or family member.
• D. I have successfully completed training related to the activities listed above.
• E. I have no experience or training related to the activities listed above.

22

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 employer(s) where you gained this experience
• Your experience teaching/assisting with daily living skills
• Your duties and level of responsibility

23

If you are claiming education/formal training related to this work behavior, please provide the requested information below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• The Training Source
• The Course Title
• The Credits/Clock Hours You Earned

24

WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - PROVIDES INDIVIDUALS WITH GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT WITH SOCIALIZATION SKILLS

Assists individuals in establishing and improving socialization skills, encourages individuals to participate in individual and group recreation or work activities, and encourages individuals to participate in community activities.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have independently provided guidance and assistance some of the activities listed above.
• B. I have provided guidance and assistance some of the activities listed above under close supervision OR I have completed college coursework related to the activities listed above.
• C. I have provided guidance and assistance some of the activities listed above as a parent or family member.
• D. I have successfully completed training related to the activities listed above.
• E. I have no experience or training related to the activities listed above.

25

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 employer(s) where you gained this experience
• Your experience providing guidance and support with socialization
• Your duties and level of responsibility

26

If you are claiming education/formal training related to this work behavior, please provide the requested information below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• The Training Source
• The Course Title
• The Credits/Clock Hours You Earned

Required Question

Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website http://www.employment.pa.gov