THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST 1

This position is located at High Desert State Prison in Indian Springs. Incumbents plan, organize, schedule, coordinate and conduct a wide variety of therapeutic activities such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong and strength training as well as board games, cards and puzzles: and modify, adapt and fabricate equipment to accommodate special needs; and schedule and conduct individual and group therapy sessions. Incumbents observe inmates during activities in order to evaluate performance; compare level of functioning to assess progress; modify activities to accommodate individual needs; record special problems, incidents, achievements and developments; and evaluate and revise treatment goals, objectives, and modalities.

Therapeutic Recreation Specialists perform initial and periodic assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic services to assist individuals in correctional institutions, rehabilitation programs, long-term care facilities, residential facilities, mental health facilities and facilities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to improve their mental and physical health and/or social functioning.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in therapeutic recreation, recreation, or specialty area, such as art, dance, music or physical education and one year of technical experience in recreation therapy in a clinical, residential, community-based and/or correctional environment; OR certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC); OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Interview individuals to assess recreational interests and physical, mental and/or emotional limitations; review medical records and confer with medical personnel regarding physical disabilities, injuries or other medical conditions; evaluate individual needs and strengths; prepare treatment plans and document prescribed therapeutic activities within the constraints of available resources, facilities and security requirements.

Plan, organize, schedule, coordinate and conduct a wide variety of therapeutic activities including, but not limited to, basketball, volleyball, pool, ping-pong and strength training as well as passive recreation such as board games, cards and puzzles; provide skill training, encouragement and counseling; modify, adapt and fabricate equipment to accommodate special needs; schedule and conduct individual and group therapy sessions in areas such as assertiveness training, relaxation techniques, stress management, self-esteem, wellness, leisure education, social skills, task concentration and others as assigned.

Observe individuals during activities in order to evaluate performance and leisure skill development, compare level of functioning to baseline performance data, and assess progress toward treatment goals; modify activities to accommodate individual needs; record special problems, incidents, achievements and developments; evaluate and revise treatment goals and objectives, modalities and frequency as appropriate.

Assess and document individual progress in meeting treatment goals; record progress notes and revise treatment recommendations as appropriate; attend interdisciplinary treatment team meetings to provide input regarding therapeutic progress, discuss special needs and problems, and develop or revise treatment goals and plans.

Assist in developing recreation and leisure activity resources as applicable to the client population; research recreational therapy and activity programs; prepare and monitor the recreation budget to provide for projected needs and anticipated expenditures; purchase supplies and materials required for various activities; repair or arrange for repair of equipment.

May supervise technicians, forensics and other assistants in carrying out therapeutic activities as assigned; complete performance evaluations, work performance standards and discipline as required; provide training in basic treatment modalities; assign and review work; demonstrate and participate in the maintenance, repair, set-up and storage of recreation equipment.

Assist individuals in pursuing enjoyable and healthy leisure activities of their choice in the least restrictive environment possible, as applicable to the population served.

Observe established health and safety procedures to ensure the safety of all therapeutic recreation program participants.

Incumbents develop and implement therapeutic recreation activities and programs in a correctional, rehabilitative, mental health, intellectual and/or developmental disability or residential setting.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Working knowledge of: theories and practices of recreational therapy and leisure activities. 

General knowledge of: human anatomy, physiology, psychology, visual motor and psychomotor functioning; developmental and learning disabilities; characteristics and symptoms of mental illness and intellectual disabilities and related disorders; psychosocial and behavioral treatment models and group dynamics; basic math skills required to prepare and monitor a budget. 

Ability to: assess client/patient mental, emotional and physical capabilities and limitations; participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop and revise treatment plans, goals and objectives; review diagnostic findings and conceptualize treatment strategies; plan, organize, schedule and conduct appropriate therapeutic recreation activities for individuals with mental, physical or emotional disabilities; adapt, create, and design recreational activities and equipment to meet the needs of clients/patients; move and set up athletic equipment and recreation supplies for planned activities; coordinate services with other therapeutic disciplines; provide therapeutic recreation therapy in potentially hostile environments where clients/patients may be uncooperative or combative; plan, organize, and lead a variety of recreational activities including sports, hobby-crafts, board games and other activities; counsel, train and motivate clients/patients; establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients/patients and others involved in the treatment program; work independently with minimal direction; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; apply basic teaching methods and techniques; administer first aid in emergency situations; operate a van, bus or automobile to transport clients/patients as required.

Recruiter Contact Information: Susan Ashley - q.ashley@admin.nv.gov

Salary : $58,923 - $86,944