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.
THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE. THIS POSTING MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB
(MONTH and YEAR)
AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES
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POSITION IS LOCATED IN TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM
Why does the job exist? To work under the direction of the Recreation Director in a long-term care facility to assist in organizing, promoting, implementing and conducting recreational therapy programs and lead and direct residents, with various levels of ability, in recreational activities as part of a therapeutic medical/psychotherapeutic treatment program. To perform daily assessments of residents¿ level of participation in recreational programs, appropriateness of program for each resident, progress or lack of progress towards established therapeutic goals and documentation of observations. How does it get done? Carry out therapeutic recreational programs for groups of residents and for individual residents assigned by supervisor. This may include but is not limited to outdoor activities, community events, physical activity programs (sports, games/group games, dancing, aquatic programs), creative expressive programs (dramatics, music, arts and crafts) and programs involving animals (pet therapy) Prepares and administers therapeutic recreational programs to groups of residents¿ and to individual residents who cannot or choose not to participate in group programs. Prepare for the program by ensuring that all necessary supplies and equipment are available and set up in area that program will be conducted. Instruct residents in proper techniques for carrying out planned treatment interventions and activities including but not limited to relaxation techniques to reduce stress and tension, stretching and limbering exercises, proper body mechanics for participation in recreational activities, pacing and energy conservation techniques in individual as well as team activities. Instruct residents in proper techniques for using any specialized equipment, including proper application, safety procedures, cleaning and storing of equipment. Work with volunteers to conduct therapeutic recreational programs, including instructing volunteers on specific duties to be carried out in conducting programs and providing them with necessary equipment, materials and supplies to carry out duties. Clean up the activity area to ensure supplies and materials and put away properly, equipment is cleaned and stored properly, and area is left clean, safe and secure. Who are the customers? The primary customer are the brave men and women that answered our nations call, executed their duties and now are unable to live in their respective communities due to failing health. This job will also support the widows of the service men and women to include parents that have lost children in combat (Gold Star Parents) Ideal Candidate The primary customer are the brave men and women that answered our nations call, executed their duties and now are unable to live in their respective communities due to failing health. This job will also support the widows of the service men and women to include parents that have lost children in combat (Gold Star Parents) Minimum Qualification High School Diploma or equivalent and one (1) year experience as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience. Employment Requirements This position is designated safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules, and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Must possess and maintain a valid American Heart Association
BLS / CPR
Certification Employment is subject to criminal background check pursuant to New Mexico Caregivers Criminal Screening Act, (Sections 29-17-2 through 29-17-5 NMSA 1978 and 7.1.9.1 through 7.1.9.11 NMAC) and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment. Must possess and maintain a valid Safe Food Handling Certificate or receive within 1 week of date of hire. Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training. Must sign and observe confidentiality agreement. Must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend the English language. Occasional travel for training and meetings and driving a State of NM owned motor vehicle may be required; Working hours may include weekends, holidays, overtime, and callback hours. Essential functions of the job and specific physical ability requirements will be available at the time of interview or may be obtained at the New Mexico Veterans' Home Human Resources office. Working Conditions Work is performed within a long-term facility with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Walking throughout the facility and frequent communication and interaction with residents, staff, and the public. Periods of walking, standing, bending pushing, pulling, lifting, and stretching for a variety of activities may be required. Must be able to function under pressure and stressful situations Health hazards such as exposure to contagious viruses and diseases. May also include routine exposure to public, fellow employees, and facility resident illness, stressful situation, and bodily fluids, as well as exposure to physical and/or verbal abuse. Occasional travel for training and meetings and driving a State of NM owned motor vehicle may be required; some lifting; extended hours to meet deadlines will be required. Working hours may include on-call, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and callback hours. Essential functions of the job and physical ability requirements will be available at the time of interview or may be obtained at the New Mexico Veterans' Home Human Resources Office Supplemental Information Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information:
Berna Garcia, (575) 894-4234, Email For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement. Bargaining Unit Position This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
