Therapeutic Recreation Aide - Per Diem
Job Summary
The therapeutic recreation aide plans, develops, and implements individual and group general recreation programs to improve the functioning of patients diagnosed with a variety of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and developmental or age-related needs. They perform a variety of departmental and interdepartmental tasks to ensure the successful provision of services related to leisure, technology, health and wellness, communication, and mobility.
Qualifications
Associates degree in health-related field or 3 years of experience working within a healthcare setting providing recreation programming.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to read, write, and understand instructions in English.
Demonstrated proficiency with computers and system management.
Preferred: Knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to lift and assist with patient transfers.
Valid driver’s license.
Preferred: Passenger endorsement.
Physical Demands
Ability to tolerate up to four hours of consecutive work.
Endurance for up to one and one-half hour periods of constant sitting and one hour periods of independent mobility.
Ability to safely assist with patient transfers or provide hands-on assistance.
Ability to lift or carry objects up to 10 pounds continuously, to 20 pounds frequently, to 40 pounds occasionally for patient transfer.
Ability to push/pull up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day for patient transport and mobility activities.
Frequent need to initiate body positional changes to access equipment from high and low areas and while providing treatment interventions.
Functional fine and gross motor skills and upper extremity sensation needed.
Intricate vision needed for observation of patient's non-verbal responses and skin assessment.
Cognitive Demands
Application of previously acquired knowledge.
Flexibility of thought, reasoning, organizational skills, and the ability to act in some new or unfamiliar situations.
Selective attention and concentration are necessary to complete tasks.
Basic formulation, content, syntax, and spelling to complete tasks.
Comprehension of lengthy messages or paragraphs and following multistage and three-step commands.
Initiation and interpretation of communication with patient and others.
Reporting patient response, reaction, and behavior through written and oral communication.
Work Demands
Primarily indoors, occasionally outdoors.
Continuous interaction with others.
Task fluctuation on schedule is frequent and often unpredictable due to census and patient-specific needs.
Exposure to body fluids, contagious diseases, and bloodborne pathogens.
Occasional exposure to particles, chemicals, electromagnetic, electrical, ultrasonic, and/or thermal agents that could cause eye, nose, or skin irritation - such as those utilized for casting/splinting, patient treatment, equipment fabrication, or cleaning.