FT Recreational Therapist

The Recreational Therapist plans and implements treatment goals with patients that facilitate the provision of leisure skills, recreational and therapeutic activities which support the objectives of the facility. Functions as an effective member of the inter-disciplinary treatment team.

Education : Must have bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited college/university. Must be required to maintain certifications in CPR and CPI.

Work experience : Internship or work experience in a similar setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities : Must possess good verbal and written communication skills. Must be computer literate. Completes assignments accurately, in a timely manner, and within procedural guidelines. Organizes and prioritizes work.

Interpersonal Skills : Must possess good interpersonal skills to develop rapport with patients and their family members, referral sources, and to work cooperatively with in-house administration, physicians, clinical and support staff. Displays self-direction by seeking solutions to problems. Seeks out and offers new ideas for improving processes. Deals constructively with stress.

General Performance : Displays willingness to help others. Uses appropriate customer etiquette, e.g., telephone, conversation, demeanor, etc. Takes directions well, accepts constructive criticism and responds accordingly. Respects customer’s, co-worker’s, and organization’s confidentiality. Follow policies/procedures such as appearance, dress, safety, appropriate patient/staff interactions, etc. Works positively with both internal and external customers. Is punctual in all aspects of work. Adheres to attendance policy.

Travel Requirements : Occasionally transports patients to afternoon outings, in company vehicles. Uses company vehicle to obtain department supplies.

Provides patient care through recreational therapy and leisure services to include, daytime, evenings, indoor, outdoor, and holiday events.

• Conducts patient assessments to determine level of functioning, leisure independence, pre & post recreational interest, current physical, cognitive, emotional, social recreational abilities.

Organizes and implements regular group activities to facilitate social integration, leisure time activities for discharge goals.

Provide treatment planning and documentation of care

• Documents regularly on patient’s course in treatment as observed through assessment and participation in therapeutic activities/groups.
• Plans and implements patient specific age, and culturally appropriate recreational programs, guided by treatment planning and discharge goals. Documents patient’s progress and response to treatment.

Participates as an active member of the inter-disciplinary treatment team in the development in Coordinating patient care via patient care conferences, charting, and informal updates.

Maintain an appropriate level of psychiatric theories and practices and apply these where appropriate.

• Attends continuing education workshops, unit in-services, and all mandatory unit and staff meetings.

Maintains current certification in CPR and CPI

Assists in coordination of the operation of the Recreational Therapy department of the facility.

• Maintains the unit’s recreational supplies and equipment in good working condition.
• Supervises and orients Therapeutic Recreational intern students when needed.
• Collects, analyzes, and presents quality assurance data for the activity department.

Implementation and evaluation of a patient’s RT treatment goals during the course of treatment through discharge.