Recreational Therapist Flexible Days and Weekends

The Recreational Therapist coordinates the activities of recreation therapy at dual diagnoses behavioral hospital. Our goal is to improve functioning and independence and provide recreation resources and opportunities for all residents with a focus on improving health and well-being. Responsibilities include assessing residents within seven (7) days of admission and completing weekly evaluations of progress. Additionally, the Recreational Therapist facilitates recreational therapy groups and organizes leisure programs. Other tasks include participation in the preparation of the monthly budget for the recreational department, maintaining quality improvement data and collaborating with the treatment team to provide comprehensive services to all residents.

• Selects appropriate treatment techniques and equipment to meet the needs of the individual resident weekly.
• Provides leisure time activities to residents on a weekly basis.
• Provides therapeutic recreation groups to residents.
• Assists residents and staff in planning leisure activities.
• Interacts therapeutically with the residents in one-to-one situations, community and group meetings.
• Demonstrates awareness of limitations, utilizes independent judgment. Aware of when to seek help form other disciplines.
• Exhibits continuous therapeutic communication with residents and families.
• Reacts therapeutically in a crisis situation.
• Recognizes subtle deviation on resident's affect, behavior and conversation, as well as changes in the resident's physical condition and reports these to the Unit Nurse and Therapist.
• Developed skills in recognizing child abuse by having an understanding of the physical and emotional warning signs.
• Acts as resident's advocate, ensuring that the resident's rights as well as the confidentiality in maintained.
• Regularly participates in cost control activities through an organized system of planning and monitoring the utilization of supplies and equipment. Evaluates and set standards for equipment usage.
• Knows and can explain resident's rights.
• Has knowledge of group process and co-facilitates groups effectively.
• Has basic understanding of Common Psychiatric Diagnoses. Can recognize a behavior associated with; and uses proper intervention techniques for Common Psychiatric Diagnoses.
• Evaluates and demonstrates knowledge and understanding of age-specific behaviors, motor skills and psychological norms.
• Recognizes level of psychosocial development and modifies approach accordingly to include: a) understanding the need for and providing time for play activities, b) recognizing and supporting achievements, c) assists the child to follow rules without being punitive, d) assists the child in accepting responsibility.
• Evaluates and demonstrates knowledge and understanding of age-specific behaviors, motor skills and psychological norms.
• Recognizes level of psychosocial development and modifies approach accordingly to include: a) assisting the adolescent to develop coping mechanisms, b) understanding and providing time for social interactions with peer group.
• Evaluates and demonstrates knowledge and understanding of age-specific behaviors, motor skills and psychological norms.
• Recognizes level of psychosocial development and modifies approached accordingly to include: a) assisting residents in developing appropriate coping mechanisms, b) recognizing anxiety regarding changes in lifestyle as a result of the illness.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Minimum of Bachelor's Degree.

Experience:

Minimum of one (1) year in a residential setting with children, adolescents and adult population preferred.

License/Certification:

Must be certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

Skills:

Working knowledge of recreational therapy programming. Effective oral and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

Extensive sitting, standing, walking, reading, lifting over (50 lbs.) pounds and participation in active physical recreational program.

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Psychiatric Clinical:

1 year (Required)

Work Location:

In person