Recreation Therapist, PACE Program, Full-time

Job Summary
The PACE Recreation Therapist is a member of the PACE Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)
and is responsible for completing recreational therapy assessments for new PACE
participants and reassessments for existing PACE participants as part of the PACE IDT
care planning process.

The PACE Recreation Therapist is responsible for providing a comprehensive
therapeutic recreation and activity program for PACE participants. Activities are
provided primarily in the PACE Center on days of attendance but may also include
group outings for participants in community locations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a social or recreational program providing and coordinating recreation services for the frail or elderly population within the past five (5) years (CMS requirement).
• One year of experience working with a frail or elderly population or, in the absence of such experience, receive appropriate training from PACE on working with a frail or elderly population before providing direct patient care to PACE participants independently. (CMS requirement).
• Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by PACE before working independently. (CMS requirement).
• Before engaging in participant care, be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have up-to-date immunizations and vaccines. (CMS requirement)
• Have not been convicted of criminal offenses involving Medicaid, Medicare, other health insurance or health care programs, or social services programs under title XX of the Act (CMS requirement). Have not been excluded from participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs (CMS requirement).
• Have not been convicted of criminal offenses pertaining to physical, sexual, drug, or alcohol abuse. (CMS requirement).

Competencies, Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from an accredited college with emphasis on senior populations is required
• Experience working in Electronic Health Record (EHRs) preferred
• BLS Certified (preferred)
• Proficiency in conducting individualized assessments using structured interviews direct observation, and performance testing to identify participant strengths and limitations.
• Ability to develop and implement evidence-based recreational therapy plans tailored to participant needs and goals.
• Strong teamwork skills to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams, participants, and families.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with participants, families, and team members.
• Documentation: Ability to accurately document assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Creativity and Flexibility: Capacity to adapt activities and schedules to meet diverse participant needs.
• Leadership: Ability to train, supervise, and mentor assistants, interns, and volunteers.
• Empathy and Patience: Compassionate approach to supporting participants with varying abilities and emotional needs.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in using electronic health records and other digital tools for documentation and communication

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The role may require periods of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday,
as well as frequent use of hands and arms for keyboarding, documentation, activity
preparation, and facilitation of therapeutic interventions. The employee may be
required to assist with positioning, transferring, or supporting patients or equipment and
may occasionally lift, move, or carry items weighing up to 75 pounds. The position also
requires sufficient sensory abilities—including vision, hearing, and perception—to
safely observe and interact with patients during therapeutic activities.
Work is primarily performed in an office setting and in designated activity or therapeutic
spaces within the facility. The role may involve routine exposure to common office noise
as well as intermittent exposure to patient care areas. Interactions may include working
with individuals experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
The employee may be required to travel occasionally within the service area to support
programming or patient needs.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, nonexempt position. The standard work schedule is Monday-Friday
from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM for a total of approximately 40 hours per week. Evening,
weekend, or additional hours may be required based on operational needs

Travel

• Must be able to travel as required
• Occasional group outings for participants in community locations