Recreation Therapist

The Recreation Therapist will assess individual resident's skills and deficiencies, implement plans based on meeting the needs of residents as determined by the individual comprehensive treatment plan. The Recreation Therapist will attend meetings and serve on assigned committees as needed. They take the lead in developing a therapeutic recreation program in conjunction with group staff.
Major Responsibilities/Tasks:

• Assesses each resident's social and interpersonal skills, psychomotor and cardiovascular abilities
• Assesses each resident's self-concept
• Develops treatment plans and goals which address the improvement or development of the resident's capacity for social and/or recreational involvement
• Plans and implements the application of social and/or recreational skills through therapeutic and recreational activities
• Participates in treatment team meetings and Service Plan Reviews and ensures assigned treatment recommendations are carried out
• Ensures program compliance with all agency and department policies and procedures, federal, state and county regulations
• Works within the context of the treatment team to ensure the social and recreational needs of residents are being met
• Monitors all recreational services that are provided to residents based on the assessment and treatment planning process
• Integrates Trauma Informed Care, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention principles and practices throughout the residential programs
• Utilizes lower level TCI techniques and supports the "Life or Limb" restraint philosophy
• Models and practice sensitivity, fair treatment, and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions
• Models an interdisciplinary teamwork philosophy. Maintains positive working relationships with program staff and others within the agency
• Represents the department on internal and external committees as assigned; works closely with oversight agencies
• Coordinates with outside contractors to provide alternative therapeutic activities to the residents

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or in Recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation from a program approved by the New York State Education Department, or is currently registered as in a therapeutic recreation specialist by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society
• Minimum of one (1) year's experience providing treatment to emotionally disturbed children and their parents; experience in a residential placement setting preferred
• Self-motivated and works independently
• Manages program supplies and adheres to the program budget
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to deescalate and manage difficult behaviors of children and initiate or participate in physical interventions when necessary
• Standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling and occasional lifting and/or moving more than 25 pounds
• Valid NYS driver's license and continued automobile insurance

Diversity Statement:
Within our agency and in the communities that we serve, C&FS is committed to diversity and inclusion with race equity at the center. Every day we work to promote safety, health, and wellness. We will not stop until Black, indigenous and people of color are free from racism and experience peace, prosperity and well-being.
Child & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
Child & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child & Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)