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. Confers with physicians and other treatment team members in planning, developing, and implementing therapeutic recreational treatment programs. Observes and studies patients' reactions to recreation therapy activities for signs of progress or regression. Budgets program funds and is responsible for inventory, storage, and replacement of equipment and supplies.

Responsibilities

• Confers with physicians and other clinical personnel to plan and implement individually tailored programs in Recreation Therapy to provide patients with exercise, social participation, and group interaction.
• Assesses patients' functional status and establishes individually tailored patient therapy goals consistent with diagnoses in collaboration with physicians and other treatment team members.
• Schedules recreation therapy activities consistent with treatment goals.
• Provides group and individual therapy to assist patients in developing interpersonal relationships, relizing anxiety, and developing confidence to participate in social activities, leisure education, and adapted sports.
• Budgets program funds and manages inventory, storage, and replacement of equipment, including contacting vendors, evaluating products, and recommending acquisitions.
• Instructs patients in recreation therapy activities, participates in events, and observes physical, mental, and social progress of patients.
• Documents patients' reactions to various recreation therapy activities and contributes progress reports for use in treatment team meetings.
• Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate literature and attending related seminars and conferences.
• Provides community re-integrative activities that teach or re-teach hobbies, sports, and game activities to apply learned therapies practically.
• May perform case management duties, including discharge planning, referral source acknowledgment, insurance company and family contacts, and other coordination tasks.
• May train and supervise student interns.
• Supervises Recreation Therapy aides.
• Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships, approaching conflict constructively and participating in problem resolution.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient, physician, employee, and visitor information.
• Ensures personal and coworker safety by performing duties in the safest manner possible and reporting hazards immediately.
• Provides quality patient care by considering age-specific, developmental, and cultural needs through competent clinical practice.
• Demonstrates unit/area competencies and adheres to the Mission, Vision, and Values of St. Joseph Mercy Health System.
• 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 team members.
• Analytical skills to design therapeutic recreational activities, observe patient behaviors, evaluate program effectiveness, and manage budgets.
• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 50% of work time when observing, instructing, and recording notes.