Recreation Therapist

Job Summary

• Directly provides treatment services and recreation activities to patients. Treats and maintains the physical, mental and emotional well-being of patients using a variety of techniques, including crafts, art, sports, games, movement, drama, and music. Knows, interprets and implements the policies and objectives of the Hospital, OASAS and DNV as well as departmental operating guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Provides an organized Recreational Therapy Program for Inpatient Rehabilitation and Outpatient Day Rehabilitation using established program. Creates and implements new Recreational Therapy programming
• Provides an organized Cultural Awareness Program for Inpatient Rehabilitation using established program. Creates new Cultural Awareness programming
• Provides an organized Leisure Skills Program for Inpatient Rehabilitation using established program. Creates new Leisure Skills programming
• Thoroughly assesses patients to determine recreation interests and needs within the first seven days of treatment and documents recreation assessment evaluation in patient chart establishing clear goals as a result of the assessment. Chart review scores of 85-95%. Chart review scores of 96-100%.
• Creates, organizes and directs patient recreation activities commemorating special occasions and holidays, providing staff and patients with written schedules for holiday and special occasion activities. Works closely with dietary/kitchen staff to provide food and beverages for special occasions and holidays.
• Tracks and documents the progress of patients toward goals established in the recreation assessment, clearly reflecting progression toward specific goals in patient chart. Chart Review scores of 85-95%. Chart Review scores of 96-100%.
• Serves as an integrated member of the treatment team by providing other programming on the unit (i.e. lectures, group therapy, etc.) as assigned. Fills in for counselors if they are unavailable for groups. Completes group notes if required. Is proactive and makes special efforts to assist counseling staff
• Maintains an adequate inventory of recreational supplies and equipment, including decorations for holidays and special occasions.
• Performs other required duties as requested.

Qualifications/Requirements

• EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum two years experience – one year of which has been in addiction treatment.
• 
  EDUCATION
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation preferred.
• 
  OTHER
  • If applicable, the individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

• PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Light Work (involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds; requires moderate mobility to different work locations)

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