Recreation Therapist

Ellis Medicine•Schenectady, NY

4d•$22 - $32

About The Position

In conjunction with the treatment team, Recreation Therapists provides therapeutic recreational and activity-based services to mental health inpatients. Recreation Therapists are responsible for planning and coordinating all aspects of the patient’s activities during their stay in the hospital. This includes time when the recreation therapy department is not on the premises, such as evenings, weekends or holidays. Recreation therapists provide oversight to programming and delivery of such activities by recreation therapy assistants, mental health assistants, peer counselors, and volunteers. Recreations therapists conduct individual assessments with each patient and customize activities based on that individual’s interests and capabilities. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or associated field from an accredited institution. Certification in recreation therapy and at least three (3) years of experience with psychiatric patients preferred. An associate degree in recreational therapy; training in art, drama, or music therapy; or qualifying work experience would qualify for an associate level recreation therapy position. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The position is located primarily indoors under normal working conditions. Should be able to push/pull 25 lbs, lift/move 15lbs from floor to table and be able to perform moderately difficult manual manipulations such as using keyboards, writing, dictating, and filing for extended periods of time. Must be able to perform tasks which require hand-eye coordination such as data entry, typing and using photocopiers. Mobility requirements may include the ability to sit at a workstation to provide individual and group clinical sessions for an extended period of time in addition to being able to stand, squat and walk for a reasonable length of time and distance. Sensory requirements include the ability to articulate and comprehend the spoken English language in addition to being able to read the English language. Individuals must be able to attend and implement practices as taught in Crisis Prevention Intervention Training. Must have valid New York State Driver’s License and be able to comply with Ellis Hospital Administrative Policy for Drivers of Vehicles.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or associated field from an accredited institution.
Individuals must be able to attend and implement practices as taught in Crisis Prevention Intervention Training.
Must have valid New York State Driver’s License and be able to comply with Ellis Hospital Administrative Policy for Drivers of Vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Certification in recreation therapy and at least three (3) years of experience with psychiatric patients preferred.
An associate degree in recreational therapy; training in art, drama, or music therapy; or qualifying work experience would qualify for an associate level recreation therapy position.

Responsibilities

Plans therapeutic recreational and activity-based programming for mental health in-patients.
Develops and facilitates groups and activities in order to motivate patient participation and encourage creative expression and skill building.
Completes and post-activity schedule for assigned unit on a monthly basis
Designs groups based on input/feedback from patients and co-workers
Adapts or modifies activities to meet individual patient's needs.
Demonstrates fundamental knowledge of recreation therapy principles and practices and its effects on patient functioning.
Basic knowledge of terminology, diagnoses, issues and conditions related to patient functioning
Plans and leads a variety of different types of recreation and activity groups and events
Knowledge of activity modification techniques, accessibility concepts and assistance techniques that enhance successful patient participation in recreation therapy activities
Plans for outings on the units Monday through Friday as appropriate
Coordinates activities schedule for assigned unit(s)
Coordinates recreational therapy activities with various departments, mental health staff, volunteers and patients
Ensure recreation therapy staffing for unit activities
Provides MHAs with resources, supplies and equipment to provide activities when off premises such as holidays, weekends and evenings
Organizes, maintains, and orders recreational/art/activities supplies.
Inventories supplies monthly, keeping track of supply usage and amount currently in stock
Requests/orders supplies in order to maintain proper amount of supplies to run groups/activities per month
Communicates supply usage and needs to Director for purchase
Organizes art room, its appearance and ensures proper use and care for supplies within the room
Completes required documentation
Maintains compliance percentage of above 90% for rec therapy plans
Maintain accurate documentation as per hospital policy and required time frames
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to observe and document patient’s progress
Contributes to treatment plans in collaboration with treatment team members.
Communicates important clinical information about groups/patients to treatment team daily
Ability to observe consumer behaviors and report observations to appropriate staff
Actively participate in the development and review of treatment plans as a member of the treatment teams
Attend treatment team meetings on a regular basis
Perform other duties as assigned
Complete mandatory education and participate in other relevant training
Completes Recreation Assessment for each patient admitted to the unit within the timeframe indicated.
Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills