Recreation Therapist

Hillside Childrens Center•Auburn, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Therapist plans, organizes, and implements recreational activities for an assigned program or campus. This position supervises recreation center facilities and manages the risk and safety of all attendees. The role involves developing and delivering recreation programs and team building initiatives that promote healthy leisure lifestyle choices, psychomotor skills, and growth and socialization development. A varied youth recreational activities schedule will be created with consideration to treatment plans, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and community reintegration field trips. The therapist will assist youth in positive play experiences through role modeling, skill development, and provision of recreation opportunities. Case progress notes will be documented per regulations and agency protocols, and participation in treatment team meetings is expected. Supervision of recreation center facilities, including the gym, camp, pool, playground, or other play areas is required to maintain a safe and secure environment. Basic repair, upkeep, and safety inspections for facility equipment are part of the role, along with completing work order submittals when necessary. Participation in special event planning and providing feedback on Service Plan Reviews are also included. The therapist may supervise the recreational activities for up to three youth, as needed, and complete reports and log entries. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, or related field required
Minimum 1 year of youth recreation experience in human services environment required
CPR certification required or obtained within 60 days of hire.
Unrestricted, valid NYS driver’s license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards.
Knowledge of recreation programs, activities, and team building initiatives that promote healthy leisure lifestyle choices, psychomotor skills, positive interpersonal skills, and the development of social skills.
Demonstrate a capability for engaging youth in trust-based, productive relationships in order to help them prepare for transitions, interact in the community, and promote respect and independence.
Ability to use problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Knowledge and ability to recognize and appropriately address aggressive behavior through approved interventions and de-escalation techniques, which may include the use of physical interventions (i.e. holds).
Ability to meet the highest standard for ethical and professional conduct towards all.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, or Recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation with a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential required (for OMH funded programs).
Red Cross Lifeguard Certification may be required.

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver recreation programs and team building initiatives that promote healthy leisure lifestyle choices, psychomotor skills, and growth and socialization development.
Create a varied youth recreational activities schedule with consideration to treatment plans, including but not limited to, arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and community reintegration field trips.
Assist youth in positive play experiences through role modeling, skill development and provision of recreation opportunities that meets the individual’s needs.
Document case progress notes per regulations and agency protocols.
Participate in treatment team meetings.
Supervise the recreation center facilities, including the gym, camp, pool, playground, or other play areas to maintain an environment that is safe and secure.
Perform basic repair, upkeep, and safety inspections for facility equipment, and complete work order submittals when necessary.
Participate in special event planning, as needed.
Provide feedback on Service Plan Review.
Supervise the recreational activities for up to three youth, as needed.
Complete reports and log entries.