Recreation Therapist

Loretto•City of Auburn, NY

3d•$24 - $31

About The Position

The Recreation Therapist plans, facilitates and implements group and individual recreation programs, which address physical, cognitive, social, spiritual, sensorial and affective needs of residents/participants. The Recreation Therapist plans and delivers services in accordance with residents/participants plan of care and any pertinent third party agency regulations. Supervises or directs the Therapeutic Recreation Aides. Also participates as active member of interdisciplinary team, providing input to resident care plans.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation.
NCTRC Certification (CTRS) or eligibility required.
Minimum 2 years’ experience in a therapeutic recreation or similar role preferred.
Knowledge of or experience with working with people who have dementia.
Current knowledge of best practices in Therapeutic Recreation.
Knowledge of skilled nursing facilities and applicable regulations desired.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with clients, participants, residents, and families from diverse backgrounds who may themselves have barriers to desired functioning.
An equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Responsibilities

Plans and coordinates a program of activities for assigned residents/participants based upon individual and group interest, needs, and capabilities.
Organizes and leads group and individual recreation programs according to the resident/participant's plan of care. Maintains current knowledge of all medical contraindications to ensure resident's well-being.
Organizes and conducts resident outings.
May instruct and direct the TRAs.
Markets and communicates all events and activities to promote awareness of the service offerings to individual residents, staff and families. Distributes newsletters, calendar and bulletin board postings. Provides information and education as needed.
Promotes a home-like environment by providing decorations, i.e. bulletin boards, lounge and hallway decorations to depict seasonal changes, etc.
Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation as required by State and Federal regulations, which includes completion of portions of the MDS, EMR/Truchart, care plans, progress notes, initial (annual, 6 month, quarterly and Change of Status) assessments.
Maintains statistical data on daily activity attendance and hours of participation.
Monitors resident/participant status and reports observed changes in conditions appropriately and promptly to supervision.
Actively participates in interdisciplinary care plan meetings.
Renders all services using a Person First Centered approach.
Transports residents (participants) to and from activities.
Reports and documents all incidents and accidents immediately and per established procedures.
Schedules and documents individualized recreation sessions to identified residents and ensures independent resources, social, stimulation needs are being met.
Ensures resident supervision and safety during all special events, community outings, and programs.
Maintains current knowledge of trends in therapeutic recreation service delivery by staying apprised of new resources, techniques, interventions, clinical skills, etc.
Attends and participates in continuing education activities through in-services, seminars, and training sessions to meet established requirements.
Participates in orientation of new Recreation Therapists.
Advocates for recreational resources i.e. adaptive equipment, reading material, etc. for residents to maximize independence and group participation. Uses Loretto equipment at it was intended to maximize useful life. Initiates maintenance requests as required.
Works evenings and weekends as assigned by the Director of Recreation.
Participates in family conferences and discharge planning meetings as needed.
Promotes and role models the mission, values, vision and strategic goals of Loretto in all interactions with staff, peers, residents, family members, vendors and visitors. Treats people with dignity, professionalism and kindness.
Demonstrates excellent internal and external customer service skills such as friendly greeting, making eye contact, listening attentively, responding in a timely manner, showing respect and empathy and acting as a role model for staff and peers.
Demonstrates excellent work attendance, reliability and work ethics.
Attends and actively participates in required meetings and training sessions.
Complies with established policies, procedures, and codes of conduct at all times.
Adheres to all health and safety requirements, regulations, policies and procedures.
Practices and teaches safety awareness. Identifies and reports or corrects any possible safety or environmental issues.
Understands all HIPAA and other compliance & regulatory requirements associated with their role, including completion of required internal or external training/certifications.