Recreation Therapist

FMOLHS•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

Designs, coordinates, and implements a comprehensive program for individuals in emotional distress which integrates the principles and theories of Recreation Therapy. The Recreation Therapist conducts sessions for assigned groups according to professional standards of practice, expedites patient documentation and reports according to department policy, manages an assigned case load, monitors patient behavior and reactions, and expresses genuine interest in patient progress. Other responsibilities include promptly reporting unusual incidents to supervisory personnel, maintaining current knowledge of procedures, observing all departmental and hospital policies and procedures, participating in treatment team meetings and educational programs, and supervising students and volunteers. The Therapist demonstrates compassion and respect for the physical and psychological needs relevant to the age of the patient served. Responsibilities Integrates and applies the principles and theories of Recreation Therapy in the mental health care environment by utilizing knowledge of recreation, leisure, physical activities, fitness, movement, social skills and community resources with theories of human growth, development and therapy to ensure that high quality mental health services are provided. Advances the quality and scope of Recreation Therapy services. Explores, assesses patient needs and evaluates functioning, considering patients' overall skills, deficits and levels of motivation as related to departmental coping skills addressed. Completes timely assessments. In addition to Activity Therapy assessments, conducts specialized Recreation Therapy Assessments and or other specialized assessments as needed. Develops timely and effective plans of care. Updates/adapts plans of care to accommodate changing patient needs. Develops therapeutic relationships. Provides care to patients in a manner that considers patient safety, comfort and therapeutic environment in a caring and respectful manner. Expresses genuine interest in patient progress, addressing individual patient needs with compassion and high-quality care. Adapts conventional Recreation Therapy techniques to meet the needs of patients unable to comprehend verbal commands or voluntarily carry out therapeutic activity. Develops separate programming for special needs patients who are unable to benefit from group sessions. Intervenes to promote optimal functioning. Monitors patient behavior, symptoms and reactions in a professional manner and promptly reports pertinent information to appropriate personnel and does needed follow-up. Monitors patient behavior, symptoms and reactions in a professional manner and promptly reports pertinent information to appropriate personnel and does needed follow-up. Completes daily charting addressing patient response to copings skills taught, interventions made, progress toward objectives and significant patient behaviors. Expedites documentation regarding, progress notes, unit books, census sheets, and assigned reports in a manner consistent with departmental policies and procedures and the health care standards of the hospital. Manages assigned caseload. Conducts assigned sessions in a timely manner within the parameters of Recreation Therapy, other areas of expertise and Activity Therapy in general. Provides assistance in covering weekend, evening, holiday and seasonal functions, disaster and recovery teams and maintains flexibility in adapting to schedule changes. Develops effective working relationships. Actively participates in and contributes to treatment team meetings, initiates, develops and implements department functions in conjunction with units and department needs. Collaborates with team by making recommendations/structuring overall services from the standpoint of Recreation Therapy and educating team about Recreation Therapy. Serves as liaison between the Activity Therapy department and units represented. Has timely communications with supervisor on the status of services, duties, needs and requests. Supervises peers, students, others as assigned in accordance with hospital, departmental and school policies. Assists other disciplines in appropriate applications of departmental services. Consults other disciplines to expand own knowledge base and coordinate delivery of services. Contributes to departmental and hospital Performance Improvement Initiatives. Expands, develops and improves programs and services according to departmental and hospital plans and as needs arise. Takes initiative in recognizing and addressing needs in keeping with best practices and current trends for optimal health care.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or Eligible
BLS Certification

Responsibilities

Integrates and applies the principles and theories of Recreation Therapy in the mental health care environment by utilizing knowledge of recreation, leisure, physical activities, fitness, movement, social skills and community resources with theories of human growth, development and therapy to ensure that high quality mental health services are provided.
Advances the quality and scope of Recreation Therapy services.
Explores, assesses patient needs and evaluates functioning, considering patients' overall skills, deficits and levels of motivation as related to departmental coping skills addressed.
Completes timely assessments.
Develops timely and effective plans of care.
Updates/adapts plans of care to accommodate changing patient needs.
Develops therapeutic relationships.
Provides care to patients in a manner that considers patient safety, comfort and therapeutic environment in a caring and respectful manner.
Adapts conventional Recreation Therapy techniques to meet the needs of patients unable to comprehend verbal commands or voluntarily carry out therapeutic activity.
Develops separate programming for special needs patients who are unable to benefit from group sessions.
Intervenes to promote optimal functioning.
Monitors patient behavior, symptoms and reactions in a professional manner and promptly reports pertinent information to appropriate personnel and does needed follow-up.
Completes daily charting addressing patient response to copings skills taught, interventions made, progress toward objectives and significant patient behaviors.
Expedites documentation regarding, progress notes, unit books, census sheets, and assigned reports in a manner consistent with departmental policies and procedures and the health care standards of the hospital.
Manages assigned caseload.
Conducts assigned sessions in a timely manner within the parameters of Recreation Therapy, other areas of expertise and Activity Therapy in general.
Provides assistance in covering weekend, evening, holiday and seasonal functions, disaster and recovery teams and maintains flexibility in adapting to schedule changes.
Develops effective working relationships.
Actively participates in and contributes to treatment team meetings, initiates, develops and implements department functions in conjunction with units and department needs.
Collaborates with team by making recommendations/structuring overall services from the standpoint of Recreation Therapy and educating team about Recreation Therapy.
Serves as liaison between the Activity Therapy department and units represented.
Has timely communications with supervisor on the status of services, duties, needs and requests.
Supervises peers, students, others as assigned in accordance with hospital, departmental and school policies.
Assists other disciplines in appropriate applications of departmental services.
Consults other disciplines to expand own knowledge base and coordinate delivery of services.
Contributes to departmental and hospital Performance Improvement Initiatives.
Expands, develops and improves programs and services according to departmental and hospital plans and as needs arise.
Takes initiative in recognizing and addressing needs in keeping with best practices and current trends for optimal health care.