Recreation Therapist

Job Purpose

• Under responsibility of the unit Program Director, develop and implement recreational therapeutic activity programs for patients served within an acute psychiatric facility. This position facilitates patient activities and patient contact to reinforce cognitive stimulation, to encourage socialization, to establish coping skills, and to promote self-regulation. 

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, organize, and direct physical, social, and spiritual recreational activities according to individual treatment plan(s).
• Develop and post a monthly recreational activity group schedule.
• Document recreational activity group notes including patient participation and behavior based on each patient’s individualized care plan.
• Provide alternative recreational activity options and document accordingly for patients unable or refusing to participate in scheduled recreational activity groups.
• Monitor and maintain adequate recreational activity resources/supplies and verify a safe environment for individual(s) served and staff. Comply with all departmental and facility policy/procedures and meet all regulatory agency standards.
• Develop and maintain a resource library of structured recreational activities for patient use.
• Train unit staff to carry out scheduled recreational activity programming when the Recreation Therapist is not present.
• Complete recreational assessments on newly admitted patients within state regulation time requirements which is generally 72-hours from admission.
• Serve as a member of the treatment team. Make and receive recommendations regarding treatment for individual(s) served.
• Formulate treatment plan SMART goals related to activities for each patient.
• Work with the team to promote a positive, calm, and joyful patient-centered care environment.
• Plan and coordinate special unit and/or community education events.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties detailed above.

• Certification in Recreation Therapy.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in associated field such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Services preferred with at least two years’ experience working with psychiatric patients in an inpatient setting preferred.
• Current CPR.
• Handle with Care (will be provided if not current).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population being served.
• Requires knowledge of individual and group behavior, normal and abnormal behavior, growth and development and ability to work with individuals with mental illness.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Group/Process skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Requires ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Proficient use of technology and related equipment.

Working conditions

Employee may work in high stress direct patient care areas. Stress levels may be high due to frequent dealings with life and death situations, physicians, families and other healthcare providers. Demands high level of concentration and the ability to work in emotionally charged situations.

Physical requirements

Ability to handle heavy materials or patients. Physical demands greater than moderate may require knowledge of use of appropriate equipment. Frequent bending, lifting and pulling require proper use of good body mechanics. Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, staff physicians and visitors displaying a smile and maintaining a pleasant attitude. This job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Also, the ability to communicate by phone is important.

Direct reports

This position has no management responsibility.