Description

The Recreation Therapist provides therapeutic/recreational activities within own discipline determined by Director to be pertinent to patient population.

• Implements programs to create and lead various groups, including but not limited to singing, crafts, ceramics, swimming, sports, exercise and leisure education.

• Participates in activity program development in conjunction with other Recreation Therapists and Recreation Assistants.

• Participates in treatment planning conferences and provides for the integration of recreation therapy into patient's treatment plan.

• Documents in patient's chart the patient's progress and plans for further treatment based on established criteria.

• Participates in milieu therapy approach where applicable for patients.

• Assessment, treatment and patient care responsibilities are delivered with a knowledge of patient growth and development and are appropriate to the ages of the patients served.

• Provides inservice training to other staff.

• Enhances professional growth by attending inservices and educational programs.

• Responsible for preparing special events (e.g., parties, trips).

• Contributes to department planning of comprehensive therapeutic activities programs for units.

• Writes protocols for groups according to determined criteria.

• Identifies problems and contributes to department problem-solving process relative to patient care.

• Attends scheduled staff meetings and maintains communications with staff.

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

• Bachelors or better in Recreation Therapy

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Cert Therapy Rec Spec

• *Heart Saver

Experience

Required

• Practical skills in area of specialization (e.g., crafts, art, dance)

Preferred

• Knowledge of a second language.

• Supervised internship in Recreation Therapy on a hospital behavioral health unit.