Behavioral Health Recreational Therapist Contingent

About the Role

Coordinates a program of recreation therapy services to assist patients in recovering from, or adjusting to illness or disability, and in dealing with specific social problems. Collaborates with physicians and other treatment team members to plan, develop, and implement therapeutic recreational treatment programs. Observes and studies patients' reactions to activities for signs of progress or regression. Manages program budgets, inventory, storage, and replacement of equipment and supplies.

Responsibilities

• Confers with physicians and clinical personnel to plan and implement individually tailored recreation therapy programs, providing patients with exercise, social participation, and group interaction.
• Assesses patients' functional status and establishes therapy goals consistent with diagnoses in collaboration with the treatment team.
• Schedules recreation therapy activities aligned with treatment goals.
• Provides group and individual therapy to help patients develop interpersonal relationships, relieve anxiety, build confidence, and engage in leisure education and adapted sports.
• Manages program funds, contacts vendors, evaluates products, and recommends acquisition of supplies and equipment.
• Instructs patients in recreation therapy activities, participates in events, and observes physical, mental, and social progress.
• Documents patients' reactions to activities and contributes progress reports for treatment team meetings.
• Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field through literature and professional events.
• Provides community re-integrative activities to teach or re-teach hobbies, sports, and games that reinforce therapeutic learning.
• May perform case management duties, including discharge planning, referrals, and coordination with insurance companies and families.
• May train and supervise student interns and recreation therapy aides.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient, physician, and employee information.
• Ensures safe performance of job duties and reports hazards or unsafe practices.
• Provides quality patient care considering age-specific, developmental, and cultural needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Current certification in Recreation Therapy from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
• Six to twelve months of related experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of current theory and practice in therapeutic and rehabilitative recreation.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and treatment teams.
• Analytical skills to design therapeutic activities, evaluate program effectiveness, and manage budgets.
• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail when observing, instructing, and recording patient progress.