Title:  Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist  Pay:  $22-$25 Hours: 30 hours varied /flex Location: Varies

Summary: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) work with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.  CTRS will assist individuals to become more integrated in their communities through recreational therapy.  CTRS’s are responsible for coordinating and implementing opportunities for individuals to successfully improve individual’s functioning and independence.  Support may occur in a variety of settings and may include use of adapted sports, dramatics, arts and crafts, social activities and other services that lead to restoration, remediation, or rehabilitation of skills. CTRS is ultimately supporting the individual in meeting his or her own goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Maintain compliance with all regulatory bodies including completing documentation in timely and professionally written manner.  

· Provide recreational therapeutic techniques through community and activity-based interventions that are individualized to help improve the ability to increase independence and function.   

· Partner with individuals, families, and staff to develop and carry out an individual person-centered recreational therapy assessment and recreational treatment plan reflective of the individual’s needs.   

· Attends mandatory quarterly meetings at Easterseals.   

· Effective correspondence and communication with all individuals, providers, family members, staff members, and all other treatment team members.  

· Maintain a system of personal availability to all individuals on case load.  

· Ability to communicate effectively with an individual in the individuals’ mode of communication.  

· Ability and willingness to support individuals with challenging behavior, mental health needs and/or medical concerns.  

· Must be able to establish clear boundaries with clients and be assertive when needed.  

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.  
• Must have a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or related field.
•  Must have passed and received exam certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) (Copy of Official Certificate Required). Must maintain these credentials every 5 years per the NCTRC recertification process. 
•  2 years of experience providing recreational therapy, knowledge of clinical assessments, dual diagnoses, knowledge of human anatomy, medical and psychiatric terminology, and use of assistive technology preferred.
• Ability to coordinate services under the direction of director of therapeutic supports. 
• Possession of a personal laptop/tablet with internet access for work documentation and must be computer efficient.  
• Ability to pass criminal/registry background checks and other checks as deemed necessary.  
• A valid driver’s license, insured vehicle and safe driving history are required.  
• Ability to pass and maintain required trainings such as CPR/First Aid.  

Working Conditions: As a contracted employee, the CRTS will work from home, in a designated group work space at Easterseals, in the homes of participants and in the community.  CRTS’s need to be flexible and be able to adjust to changing needs activities and locations. Some site locations may have tobacco smoke and/or pet dander based on the individual being supported. Incumbent may work extended hours, evenings, and occasionally travels out-of-town as needed.   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT- Depending on the needs of the individuals, the work can be physically demanding including transferring or supporting people with mobility needs, lifting or moving items up to 75 lbs, walking or standing for extended periods of time or providing support through CPR/First Aid, behavioral support, and other interventions.  DSP’s must be able to transport clients in a motor vehicle.

 Easterseals Arc of NE IN is an EOE/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, Veterans, and individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply