Recreational Therapist

Part-Time or Full-time

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - The essential functions are those the individual must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.

PRIMARY RESPONSILITIES - Develop and maintain Recreational Therapy on behalf of the agency.

1. Assure compliance with BDDS Service Definitions & Requirements for Recreational Therapy, specific to Reimbursable Activities, Service Standards, and Documentation Standards.
2. Assume responsibility of recreational therapy needs of those individuals assigned.
3. Utilize a wide range of activity and community-based interventions and techniques to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure needs of clients. (ATRA, 2015)
4. Promote health and wellness and reduce or eliminate activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition. (ATRA, 2015)
5. Incorporate the client's interests, and the client's family and/or community to make the therapy process meaningful and relevant. (ATRA, 2015)
6. Advocate for and/or support individuals, families, and guardians, as appropriate.
7. Assure satisfaction of all customers, including individuals, family, guardians, physicians, funding sources, and employees.
8. Keep updated on innovative recreational therapy strategies and techniques.
9. Attend case conferences, staff meetings, and professional development activities when applicable.

• RELATIONSHIPS:
  1. Work closely with adults with intellectual disabilities to provide recreational therapies.
  2. Work collaboratively with team members, support staff, and management.
  3. May have contact with people outside of the agency for the purposes of collaborating to provide effective recreational therapy to individuals receiving care, public relations, and discussion with parent/guardians.
• JOB REQUIREMENTS
  1. The employee will be expected to represent the corporation with a professional carriage and demeanor.
  2. Adhere to agency policies and procedures regarding confidentiality, ethics, rights and dignity or individuals with disabilities at all times.
  3. Command of the structure and content of the English language for purposes of speaking and writing using proper spellings, grammar, and composition in order to:
     1. Speak effectively to individuals and small groups;
     2. Follow and/or convey oral or written instructions or information;
     3. Complete required forms and documentation.
  4. Ability to perform the following: decision making, analyzing, reasoning, reading, talking, hearing, seeing, writing, driving, reaching, pulling, pushing, lifting, bending, stooping, twisting, and climbing steps.
  5. Maintain an even temperament during times when a person served is upset or aggressive.
  6. Must have dependable transportation, a valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance in the employee's name and a willingness to provide transportation in personal automobile.
  7. Willingness to work non-standard/flexible hours, including other locations, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  8. Accessible to management during non-working hours via a telephone, email, or some other timely electronic method.
  9. Attend required meetings and complete required training timely, which may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours.
  10. Ability to use a computer, including such functions as word processing, a spreadsheet, and email.
  11. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds for short periods of time several times per day depending on the job setting.
  12. May be required to use a Hoyer lift or other assistive devices.
  13. May be required to drive a company vehicle, such as a modified van with a lift.
• JOB QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Requires a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation from an accredited four-year college.
  2. Current registration with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association is required.
  3. One year of experience in therapeutic recreation is preferred.
  4. Individual cannot pose a "direct threat" (meaning a significant risk of substantial harm to the health and safety of the individual or others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation) to the health and safety of themselves or others.
  5. The employee must be of unquestionable character as determined by driving records, police checks, drug screens, and personal references.
  6. Certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. (NCTRC)

EEO/ADA Compliant