Certified Recreation Therapist

Job Description: 

Introduction:
 

At EverTrue, team members at all levels find their calling in our mission of Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest. In this work environment, all team members are part of a community and appreciated by the people they work with – residents and coworkers – every day. 

Summary:

The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illness and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being; Oversees a recreational therapy program for all levels of residential care (independent living, skilled-nursing, memory care and assisted living) designed to restore, remediate, and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities and to promote health and wellness in all.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Plans, organizes, and implements goal-focused recreation therapy sessions for individuals and groups with varying abilities and needs

Educates staff, family members, and caregivers on benefits of recreation therapy services offered and provides updates on resident involvement in recreation therapy when appropriate

Creates sessions that address the widespread goals of residents, including social, emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual, and behavioral, which may include land and aquatic exercises, games, wellness classes, leisure activities, etc.

Completes assessments of one-on-one referrals, establishes appropriate treatment plan for residents’ individualized goals, and maintains required documentation of resident engagement in recreation therapy

Coordinates with their Department Director to meet the goals and objectives of the recreational therapy program

Manages other recreational staff as assigned

Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams such as Lifestyle Enrichment, Social Work, and Nursing to promote wellness within the community

Provides educational in-services for staff to promote understanding of recreational therapy 

Ensures that all recreation therapy equipment and materials are maintained, stored, and organized

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Recreation therapy

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credentials preferred

• Knowledge of the physical and cognitive needs of older adults

• CPR Certified

Physical Activities and Demands:

The physical requirements and working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell.  The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle and feel and talk or hear.

The employee may help with moving residents in wheelchairs, setting up tables and chairs and other supplies and equipment used for activities; Employee lifts up to 40 lbs on an occasional basis; Employee pushes and pulls a maximum force of 30 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment is well-lighted and ventilated; Employees may be subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the Aids and Hepatitis B viruses; Employees may be subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.  Employees may work beyond normal working hours when necessary, including evenings and weekends.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and standards. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and standards.

Additional Information:

N/A