Aquatic Specialist

About the Position: The Aquatic Specialist is responsible for planning, implementing and documenting weekly aquatic therapy and adapted aquatic sessions to people with and without disabilities in area rec centers across Northeast Ohio. This position has the potential to grow into a full time opportunity over time. 

• Consults as needed with supervisor concerning participant referrals; assists in completing assessments and adjusting goals for clients as needed
• Implements 1:1 recreation therapy activities with assigned participants for all aquatic programming 
• Completes recreation therapy discharge summaries, as needed
• Documents participant progress in recreation therapy programs through daily notes completed according to Rec2connect standards with prompt and narrative data
• Designs and adapts or modifies recreation therapy daily activities to meet participants' needs
• Prepares equipment needed for sessions and assists in maintaining good condition of equipment, notifying managers if equipment needs replacement
• Provides participants with recreation therapy resources
• Provides emotional support to participants and families
• Provides a positive, supportive atmosphere during recreation therapy sessions
• Ensures participants' safety during recreation therapy sessions; follows health and safety policies, anticipates hazards, and takes appropriate measures
• Communicates behavioral observations of participants to other staff and team members, assess behavior motivation, provide appropriate behavior plans, assist in implementation
• Encourages participant involvement in recreation opportunities and provides necessary support to facilitate involvement
• Participates in quality improvement projects
• Works to promote a positive, professional image of recreation therapy within and outside the agency
• Attends and participates in staff and team meetings and in-services as assigned
• Develops and promotes positive working relationships within the agency
• Performs related duties as assigned
• Participates in task forces and committees as assigned
• Manage appointment schedule, check-ins, and scheduling make-ups or subs as needed for missed sessions

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES 

• Ability to observe participants' behaviors and develop behavior modification plans as needed
• Basic understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis and how to integrate into programming
• Fundamental knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles and practices and its effects on participants' functioning
• Basic knowledge of terminology, diagnoses, issues and conditions related to participants' functioning
• Ability to observe participants' behaviors and develop behavior modification plans as needed
• Ability to relate in a warm, caring, and professional manner to participants with multiple needs
• Ability to produce and maintain accurate records and reports
• Ability to gather assessment information in accordance with appropriate guidelines/standards (i.e., American Therapeutic Recreation Association Standards of Practice/Guidelines for TR Assistants; National Therapeutic Recreation Society Standards of Practice)
• Ability to plan and lead a variety of therapeutic recreation sessions
• Ability to observe and document participants' progress
• Knowledge of activity modification techniques, accessibility concepts and assistance techniques that enhance successful consumer participation in recreation therapy activities
• Knowledge of recreation therapy policies and procedures
• Knowledge of Rec2Connect policies and procedures 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of a four year bachelor’s degree program 
• Preference - Applicants with recreation therapy background including but not limited to: CTRS, OT, PT, PTA, or similar certifications and background
• Preference- Applicants who demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills and abilities gained through at least two years of experience performing tasks similar to those assigned to the position

Licensure/Certifications:

• Valid Ohio driver’s license 
• CPR certification, required
• Employer selected insurance for practice

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to lift 25 lb and other recreational equipment
• Ability to provide physical prompting when needed for up to 1 hour
• Ability to demonstrate exercise and movements for clients for up to 1 hour 

Pay:

• Dependent upon experience.