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.
Develop plan, implement, and document therapeutic recreation programs and interventions based on a standardized clinical assessment of identified needs, which promotes learning, growth, development and skill acquisition in the areas of gross motor, fine motor, socialization, cognitive and community integration skills.
Principal Assigned Responsibilities:
Complete the Standardized Therapeutic Recreation Assessment for all children on the assigned case load within 30 days of admission to the residential facility. Complete the Standardized Recreation and Leisure Service Profile to determine each child's recreation and leisure interest. Prepares a Therapeutic Recreation Clinical Summary which specifies each child's strengths, needs and clinical recommendations designed to enhance areas of skill development. Develop an individualized recreational plan with input from each child for integration into his/her comprehensive treatment plan. Develop therapeutic recreation goals, objectives and methodologies that specifically addresses identified Therapeutic Recreation needs based on clinical assessment. Develop and maintain a system of data collection which measures each child's progress toward stated goals and objectives, identified within their Therapeutic Recreation Plan. Complete a monthly progress note, based on measurable and observable data. Attend all treatment planning and management meetings, as required. Present Therapeutic. recreation findings and recommendations at clinic team meetings. Plan, develop, implement and post, a monthly Recreation Calendar for the residence. Permanent member of the treatment team, with ongoing and consistent participation in treatment planning and review. Assist with the implementation of specialized adjunct therapies consisting of Music Therapy, Dance Therapy, Pet Therapy, Horseback Riding Therapy, etc. Adjust assigned work schedule to meet the needs of specialized community integration programs including but not limited to the Heart Run/Walk, Boilermaker, Spring Formal, Musical Presentation/Concerts, etc. Which may require evening and weekend hours. Provide Child Care Workers with ongoing in-service training as it relates to the implementation and delivery of the Therapeutic Recreation program. Provide Ongoing Recreation and Leisure in-service training to new employees. Coordinate equipment and supplies for the implementation of therapeutic recreation activities. Attend require agency training, workshops and seminars as appropriate or required for continuing education. Successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, annual CPR and all other required agency trainings as defined by program and agency policy. Active participation in program and agency wide quality assessment and improvement activities in accordance with the agency's Quality Improvement Program. Attend pre-shift meetings and provide Program Supervisors and direct care and staff, clinical direction as it relates to the provision of scheduled therapeutic activities. Maintain and monitor spending expenditures within the context of the recreation budget allocations.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minimum of three years' experience treating seriously emotionally disturbed children and youth; Current certification by the National Therapeutic Recreation Council as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist required. Valid New York State Driver's License.
