Recreational Therapist

About the role

Bethany Christian Services is a nonprofit organization that operates across 29 states, focusing on ensuring children are safe, loved, and connected through family. We support families, foster care and adoption, and assist refugees with compassion. Our mission is rooted in Christian faith, and we uphold shared values such as being motivated by our faith, supporting one another, championing justice, pursuing excellence, and being committed to the long haul.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the creation of a recreational therapy treatment plan that builds on the resident’s strengths and addresses their therapeutic needs using the APIED process;
• Incorporate recreational therapy interventions in accordance with currently accepted standards of practice;
• Cover a comprehensive, person-centered strengths and needs assessment for each resident;
• Make recommendations regarding treatment approaches and interventions;
• Participate in staff meetings and conferences and present clinical impressions, formulations, and behavioral observations regarding each resident’s treatment;
• Establish therapeutic relationships and effectively utilize leadership, teaching, and counseling techniques to gain cooperation from and motivate residents and resident groups;
• Communicate, collaborate, and execute recreational therapy treatment plans for residents in partnership with program staff;
• Maintain familiarity with resident’s history, current level, and specific precautions indicated on treatment plan;
• Represent recreational therapy on assigned committees;
• Plan, organize, and promote group activities, outings, special events, and other internal incentives;
• Coordinate with program staff and Youth Specialists responsible for assisting with recreational therapy groups;
• Support the implementation and enhancement of the trauma-responsive Sanctuary model of care;
• Maintain an inventory of recreational therapy supplies;
• Monitor expenses to ensure adherence to the program budget;
• Keep a record of supplies and expenses incurred in providing group and 1:1 sessions;
• Complete allocation of receipts from recreational therapy group and 1:1 sessions;
• Stay informed about and seek out community resources when appropriate;
• Meet regularly with supervisor for guidance and consultation;
• Complete training requirements in accordance with program, state, and organizational requirements;

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Recreational Therapy or related field with certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS);
• One (1) year of experience working with youth in a professional context;
• Bilingual - English/Spanish, preferred;
• Ability to pass required medical examinations and to have physical ability to fulfill essential functions, including restraint of a resident;
• Pass a TB test annually and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;
• Possess the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team;
• Knowledge of current recreational therapy principles, therapeutic interventions, and group counseling techniques;
• Possess excellent clinical, therapeutic, and assessment skills;
• Possess ability to work with culturally diverse population groups;
• Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills;
• Knowledge of state, community, and agency resources;
• Must be able to pass required medical examinations and have the physical ability to fulfill the essential job functions, including physical restraints of a resident;
• Successfully pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;
• Must be able to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route: Varicella, MMR, TDap/Tdap, Influenza;

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth in a professional context;
• Bilingual - English/Spanish, preferred;
• Physical ability to fulfill essential functions, including restraint of a resident;
• Knowledge of current recreational therapy principles, therapeutic interventions, and group counseling techniques;
• Excellent clinical, therapeutic, and assessment skills;
• Ability to work with culturally diverse population groups;
• Verifiable proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route: Varicella, MMR, TDap/Tdap, Influenza;

Skills

• Recreational Therapy
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Group Counseling
• Community Resources
• Medical Examinations
• Restraint Techniques
• Communication Skills
• Legal Compliance

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Grossly generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employer-paid long-term disability and group term life insurance

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Hours are flexible and can vary based on the specific needs of each program/department.