Recreation Therapist

Oasis Behavioral Health•Chandler, AZ

20d

About The Position

The Recreation Therapist plans, directs, and implements activity therapy programs as part of patients’ treatment plans. The role assesses patients’ needs, skills, interests, and limitations, then develops and delivers therapeutic activities and interventions to support treatment goals and patient progress. The therapist leads activities that support patients’ mental and physical well-being, leisure skills and awareness, and social skills needed for independence. Activities may include sports, dance, music, art, relaxation techniques, exercise, games, and community outings. The therapist adapts activities to the needs of specific groups and maintains a positive, empathetic, and professional approach, prioritizing patient safety and responding to concerns. Other functions and tasks may be assigned. Management may add or remove duties as circumstances dictate. The employer states its commitment to equal employment opportunities regardless of characteristics protected by applicable law.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related field.
At least three years of recreation experience in a healthcare setting, with knowledge of the patient population served by the facility.
CTRS certification or current progress toward national certification; or certification in a specialty area such as art, dance, or music; or clinical professional licensure such as LCPC or LPC with certification in an expressive therapy area.
CPR certification.
De-escalation and restraint certification; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.
AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Previous recreation experience in a healthcare setting.
First aid, if required by state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

Assess patients through observation and patient or family interviews to identify needs, skills, interests, and limitations for treatment planning.
Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within the treatment program to support patient progress toward treatment goals.
Plan and implement activities programs, including therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education, and leisure awareness.
Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patients’ mental and physical well-being.
Instruct patients in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, based on their needs.
Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that reflect patients’ needs and interests and help them achieve treatment goals.
Engage patients in therapeutic activities, including exercise, games, and community outings.
Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent.
Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers; acknowledge and work to resolve unmet patient needs and complaints; prioritize patient safety.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.