Recreational Therapist

About the role

Cedar Crest Hospital, situated on over 30 acres in the beautiful rolling hills of Central Texas, offers innovative behavioral health and substance abuse treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. The private campus features walking trails, picnic areas, an outdoor swimming pool, a full-size gym, and state-of-the-art exercise equipment, providing opportunities for leisure, therapeutic recreation, and team building skills.

Responsibilities

• Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview, obtaining information on the patient’s needs, skills, interests, and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
• Plan, organize, direct, and implement the activities within the treatment program to facilitate facility patient progress with treatment goals.
• Plan and implement an activities program including therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education, and leisure awareness.
• Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well-being.
• Instruct patients in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs.
• Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and help the patient achieve his/her treatment goals.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities, such as exercise, games, and community outings.
• Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent.
• Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude towards customers always.
• When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility required. Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.
• Licenses/Designations/Certifications: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required.
• CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.