Recreation Therapist

Bethany St. Joseph•Westby, WI

4d•$18 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

This is a temporary position with employment dates from 10/30/2026 to 02/22/2027. The Recreation Therapist will assist in planning, executing, and supervising an ongoing program of activities designed to meet the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident, under the direct supervision of the Recreation Therapy Director.

Requirements

2+ year degree in a related field for recreational programming or experience in planning, organizing, and leading programs for those in a geriatric setting preferred.
Ability to understand people-physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to speak publicly.
Be creative and organized.
Have a basic understanding and ability to use basic medical and psychiatric terminology.
Have a basic understanding of the bio-psycho-social limitations imposed by aging, illness, and disability as related to leisure involvement.
Have a basic understanding of attitudes and self-concepts of older adults and disabled persons toward themselves and their illness or disability.
Have a basic understanding of the role of therapeutic recreation as a component of health care systems.
Possess knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and standards regarding recreation services.
Have a basic knowledge of various adaptive equipment and devices.
Have a basic knowledge of theory and techniques of therapeutic intervention useful in health care.
Ability to enthusiastically guide, teach, and lead recreation programs to residents.
Ability to verbally communicate with residents.
Work alone and/or with minimal direction.

Responsibilities

Assist in the planning, organizing, and executing recreational programs to motivate and relate effectively with the geriatric population.
Write goals and objectives on assigned residents.
Complete initial assessments and MDS on assigned residents.
Write quarterly notes on assigned caseload of residents as designated by Recreation Therapy Director.
Complete recreation therapy quarterly assessment check-off on assigned residents.
Write progress notes as needed on assigned residents on specific wings as requested by the Recreation Therapy Director.
Assess each resident to plan appropriate recreation programs initially and quarterly to meet their individual leisure needs.
Attend quarterly, significant change, and family request staffing on assigned residents.
Transport residents to and from recreation programs.
Lead small and large group activities both within the facility.
Provide one-on-one visits for assigned group of residents (i.e. sensory, reading, visiting).
Organize and carry out resident groups for community outings.
Work within a flexible schedule to assist during special events that may not fall during regular business hours such as for outings, parties, etc., as well as carrying out other various assignments given by the Recreation Therapy Director.
Maintain accurate records of activity participation and/or behaviors for each resident in accordance with federal and state requirements.
Communicate with other departments about any necessary issues regarding the residents, including Social Services, Dietary, and Nursing.
Maintain an orderly, clean, and well-supplied working area.
Promote resident safety at all times and follow on-the-job safety precautions to prevent accidents and infections.
Act as a resident advocate.
Familiarize with and adhere to the Resident’s Bill of Rights and to State and Federal regulations regarding nursing home recreation programs.
Familiarize with and adhere to Recreation Therapy Department policies and procedures.
Familiarize with and adhere to nursing home personnel policies and procedures.
Promote teamwork among staff and residents.
May have responsibilities as the facility volunteer coordinator.
Attend assigned meetings and in-services.