DIR - RECREATION/ACTIVITY THER

The Recreation Therapy Director is responsible for developing, planning and managing all recreational activities that aid in improving the physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning of patients ranging from adolescents through geriatric. Activities will involve working closely with patients, family members and treatment team professionals in providing individual and group-based interventions to address therapeutic treatment goals for patients.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation Therapy or in a Creative Art Therapy field (i.e., Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance Therapy or Psychodrama); or a major in a related therapeutic discipline. Master's degree, preferred.
• Three (3) years of experience developing and implementing recreational treatment plans and assessments for patients; knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques with understanding of mental illness. At least one (1) year of experience working in a supervisory capacity, preferred.
• Must have certification through National Certified Therapeutic Recreation Council (CTRS).

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provides direct supervision and scheduling of all recreational therapists (and interns as applicable).
• Monitors and maintains recreational programming through recreation therapy patient tracking sheets and ordering of supplies.
• Provides direct care to patients including:
• Adheres to the hospital's policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the Service Excellence Standards.
• Maintain knowledge of the developmental tasks and sociological theories of aging.
• Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of gerontological health care and behavioral care.
• Gather the appropriate information from the patient, family and interdisciplinary team and use therapeutic judgments based on knowledge of gerontological health/behavioral care practices to develop a comprehensive plan of care.
• Utilize interventions based on gerontological theory to restore patient's functional capabilities and to prevent complications and excess disability.
• Maintain a complete knowledge of treatments, medications and side effects of such in the geriatric age group.
• Assesses patient needs as related to chemical dependency and document the plan of care from the admission through discharge.
• Collaborate with other chemical dependency staff professionals in planning for discharge and follow-up care.
• Maintain an awareness of how personal issues relating the co-dependency can impact work performance/relationships.
• Recognize and establish limits on medication-seeking behaviors
• Gather information from the patient, family and interdisciplinary team and use judgments based on knowledge of pediatric and adolescent behaviors in treatment planning and interventions.
• Recognize behaviors and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behaviors and non-judgmental terms.
• Utilize seclusion/restraint procedures applicable to body size and past history of violent or emotional behaviors.
• Maintain current knowledge of the Pediatric and Adolescent Program rules, protocols and handbook guidelines.
• Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of pediatric and adolescent care within Specific Standards of Care for this age group.