Therapeutic Therapist (Recreation Therapy)

About the Role

Recreation staff are the first-level direct care position accountable for supervising residents at the facility in the recreation department. They provide supervision to residents in all recreational activities and across the campus to ensure safety and therapeutic goals are met. Recreation and sports promote development and healing for residents with mental and behavioral health challenges. Through play with peers and counselors, residents build trust and positive relationships, engage in developmentally-appropriate activities, and develop coping mechanisms at their own pace.

Recreation is incorporated into each resident's daily schedule to match their individualized therapy, with activities led by trained staff to meet the needs of each child. Staff adhere to Mississippi State, Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH), and facility policies and procedures while performing their duties.

Responsibilities

• Supervise residents during recreational activities and across campus to ensure safety and therapeutic goals are met.
• Provide instructions for residents and staff to engage in, complete, or assist with scheduled activities.
• Encourage non-participating residents to keep score, referee games, or assist with other activity-related duties.
• Plan, schedule, implement, and coordinate off-campus outings and weekend activities according to recreation policy.
• Plan appropriate events, activities, and outings for each earned level.
• Communicate with Resident Living Leadership about planned weekend activities and provide equipment as per the activity calendar.
• Maintain cleanliness of the gymnasium and ensure equipment is in good working order.
• Requisition and supervise maintenance and care of recreational equipment.
• Supervise recreational building activities.
• Observe residents and their reactions during recreational activities.
• Assist in analyzing current programs and make decisions about future activities.
• Maintain certifications in MANDT, CPR, and first aid.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and liability insurance to drive a state vehicle.
• Participate in continuous learning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 0–2 years of experience.

Benefits

• 18 days of personal leave and 12 days of medical leave per year.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Health, life, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Retirement plan.