Recreation Therapy Assistant | Behaviorial Health Services | Full-Time Evening E/O Weekend Shift (23223)

Paramus NJ • Paramus, NJ

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Therapy Assistant provides on- and off-unit recreational activities according to the unit program schedule and supports therapeutic programming and patient care in behavioral health settings. The role involves leading leisure education, stress reduction, social skills, reality orientation, communication, self-esteem, independent living, and physical exercise activities. The assistant works with patients individually and in groups, supports clinical staff, communicates patient needs and observed behaviors to the treatment team, and helps maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic unit environment. The position also includes documenting patient observations, assisting with assigned activities of daily living, following hospital and department policies, and contributing to treatment planning and program development.

The role is based in patient care areas and involves contact with patients, visitors, and staff. Physical demands include frequent prolonged standing and walking; lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients; and frequent bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, and crouching. A high school diploma or equivalent and Heartsaver/CPR certification are required. One to two years of experience as a direct service provider in a behavioral health facility is preferred.

The listed pay is $23.58 per hour, with salary commensurate with experience within the posted range. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans; vacation, personal time, sick leave, and nine paid holidays; tuition reimbursement; and continuing education programs.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Heartsaver/CPR certification.
• Technical skills required for patient care.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English to the extent required by the position.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of experience as a direct service provider in a behavioral health facility.

Responsibilities

• Provide on- and off-unit recreational activities according to the unit program schedule.
• Implement and lead programs in leisure education, stress reduction, social skills, reality orientation, communication skills, self-esteem, independent living skills, and physical exercise.
• Use appropriate behavioral management techniques when interacting with patients.
• Provide individual patient interventions during group activities and in the unit milieu.
• Support clinical staff in group and individual therapeutic interventions.
• Assist patients with assigned activities of daily living, including vital signs, meal serving, and monitoring.
• Communicate patient needs, requests, and observed behaviors to the Charge Nurse and other treatment team members.
• Take direction from the Unit Charge Nurse concerning patient care and management, as appropriate.
• Orient patients daily to the unit environment and scheduled program services; maintain the posted patient schedule and patient assignments.
• Maintain unit activity areas as clean, safe, and therapeutic spaces, including arranging furniture and cleaning and organizing areas after activities.
• Conduct patient head counts and participate in monitoring precaution levels, as assigned.
• Assist with transporting patients to and from scheduled activities and appointments.
• Participate in activity program development with Rehabilitation Department staff.
• Participate in developing and implementing multidisciplinary treatment plans, as appropriate.
• Help create an aesthetically pleasing unit environment and decorate for seasonal or holiday observances in accordance with hospital safety standards.
• Document patient actions, behaviors, symptoms, and significant verbal and non-verbal communications in the patient medical record as required by policy and procedure.
• Follow hospital-wide, Behavioral Health, and Department of Rehabilitation policies and procedures, and apply infection control and safety principles.
• Adhere to the Medical Center’s Code of Conduct and promote the Patient’s Bill of Rights.
• Use the hospital computer system as required for job responsibilities and in accordance with hospital policy.
• Assist patients during mealtimes, including observation and feeding assistance, as needed.
• Assist patients with ambulation, including walking on the unit or accompanying them to the bathroom, as needed.
• Identify problems and contribute to unit and department problem-solving processes.
• Participate in unit committees and Performance Improvement activities, as assigned.
• Assist other personnel as necessary and perform other duties assigned to support department and organizational objectives.
• Provide timely, professional, caring, and respectful customer service.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Generous time off policy, including vacation days, personal time, sick leave, and nine paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Continuing education programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED