A Recreational Therapist directs and coordinates recreational activities for people with disabilities or illness to help them improve their emotional and physical well-being, improve motor skills and increase confidence. Leads activities involving movement, sports, games, and other activities for brain stimulation. Assists patients with disabilities to learn to use public resources such as parks and public transportation, and integrate in the community. Works with people of all ages, in schools, nursing homes, clinics and other healthcare facilities, or in parks and recreation departments.
Within the Rehabilitation Department at ELMHS, Located in Jackson, LA The Mission of ELMHS is to provide mental health evaluation, treatment, habilitation, and consultation for adults. Programs include inpatient interventions, jail-based evaluations, supervised group home and residential programs, forensic evaluation, care, custody, and aftercare; intermediate and long-term psychiatric care are coordinated with the total system of care in Louisiana. ELMHS is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented individual to join the team in the Rehabilitation Department as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist! Here, you will make a difference by providing therapeutic recreation services to clients assigned to a Ward/Unit. The selected candidate will p rovide therapeutic recreation services by assessing patients, developing and leading individualized and group treatment programs, collaborating with interdisciplinary care teams, and supporting patient rehabilitation, independence, and overall well-being. Four years of experience as a teacher, instructor, or counselor in a recreational program; OR A bachelor's degree in a rehabilitation, recreation, or therapy field, a physical education field, or psychology; OR Possession of certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in accordance with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here .
Job Duties:
In this role, you will: Provide therapeutic recreation services to clients assigned to a Ward/Unit, assess new clients within 7 working days of admission, and assist in planning and establishing a daily, weekly, and monthly recreation schedule for assigned patients. Work with other recreation staff and other disciplines to coordinate, plan, schedule, and carry out activities with other client units and specifically develop programs for individual patients and groups of patients. Conduct various therapeutic groups and activities geared towards meeting specific treatment goals and objectives and provide therapeutic groups and activities to enhance the patients' abilities and independence, teaching them new skills and attitudes while promoting good health and growth. Administer individual treatments as ordered by the physician and carry out programs/activities through consultation with other professional staff, supervisor(s), and with consideration of the patients' needs, condition, and suitability. Participate as an active member of the Ward/Unit/Building treatment team and substitute for other recreational staff when they are unable to attend treatment meetings.
Position-Specific Details:
Appointment Type:
Probational, Permanent, or Detail Career Progression Group:
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 1, 2, or 3B, depending on experience.
How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. • Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
Contact Information:
For further information about this vacancy, contact: Leigh Moore
ELMHS HR ELMHS-HR
@LA.GOV 225-634-0680 Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
