Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist works under the supervision of the Director. Plans, organizes, and coordinates, schedules and implements activities in the unit. This includes responsibilities for patient documentation and monthly reports.

Responsibilities

• Interviews, assesses, and develops treatment plans. Reassesses and develops plans in compliance with federal, state, and facility regulations.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team care planning, integrating recreational therapy services into the plan of care. Also participates in staff meetings, special committees, and educational opportunities to maintain professional certification/qualifications.
• Provides group and/or individual treatment services according to the established treatment plan.
• Maintains documentation to reflect the services provided and enters progress notes in the individual patient/resident medical record. Participates in writing discharge summaries for each patient.
• Assists in the orientation and training of caregivers, students, and volunteers. Provides in-service education regarding recreational therapy/activity services.
• Maintains activity supplies and equipment. Is responsible for safety in the storage and use of equipment. Makes supplies and equipment accessible to the patients for individual leisure pursuits.
• Complies with regulations of accrediting agencies and facility policies for recreational therapy services.
• Other duties as assigned

Education

• Bachelor's Degree - Therapeutic recreation degree; or a recreation degree with a therapeutic emphasis - Required

Work Experience

• Completion of a full-time ten-week clinical internship program. - Required

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) - Eligible for certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). - Required within 1 Year
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - Required within 90 Days

Travel Requirements

• Must be able to travel between various system facilities and off-site locations as needed. - Required

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

• Must be able to communicate clearly and distinctly for others to understand; communicate effectively via phone and in person; possess fine motor skills to assist those with disabilities; and to write.

Interpersonal Skills

• Must be able to speak clearly; communicate with the hearing impaired, aged and physically challenged.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Must be able to push, pull and lift with proper body mechanics to perform/assist with patient transfers and assist with transportation of immobile patients, be able to walk to ambulate patients safely.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Essential Mental Abilities

• Must be able to interpret patient information; analyze assessment data and reports; understand rules, regulations and procedures; communicate clearly to small and large groups; assess and interpret information about patient abilities.

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Must be able to observe and visually assess patients; auditory assessment for tone/strength of speech in patients; hear responses of patients in groups.

Exposure to Hazards

• May have occasional contact with animals (dogs, cats, birds, etc.); aggressive patients, blood and body fluids.

Other Skills and Abilities