Recreational Specialist 1

ST MARYS HOME•Norfolk, VA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Working under the supervision of the Manager of Recreational Therapy Services (MTRS), this role provides assistance in planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and executing therapeutic recreation programs and experiences. These programs are based on individualized assessments and are designed to improve each child’s social, cognitive, physical, and emotional abilities. The specialist coordinates and manages staff, including team leaders, Direct Support Professionals (DSP) 1s, and DSP 2s. The role follows a person-centered model of care to assist individuals in participating fully and meaningfully in their daily routines both at the Home and in the community. The Recreational Specialist 1 (RS I) assumes certain duties and tasks of the Manager of Recreational Therapy Services in their absence.

Requirements

Must be able to walk, sit, and stand for variable lengths of time.
Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds independently, and with or without required equipment (dependent upon the weight of the individual) must be able to use proper procedures to safely lift residents to reposition them, place them in chairs, change diapers, etc.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
Must wear approved attire for this position (refer to dress code policy).
Must wear company-issued ID badge at all times.
Must complete Person Centered Practice Training and must pass competency assessments after the training.
Position requires a degree from an accredited college or university in the Recreation and Leisure field, and Certification or Eligibility to sit for the exam as a Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) per the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) standards. Certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
Experience in the field of Recreational Therapy providing services to children with complex health needs.
On an “as needed basis” must be willing to assist the Housekeeping Department in maintaining a clean and tidy classroom.
Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary assessment instruments as related to Recreational Therapy and practice.
Skills in formulating relevant and attainable short term, long term and discharge goals.
Ability to select the type, frequency, and duration of interventions that will meet treatment goals.
Ability to observe and evaluate programs and individual’s responses, and to modify interventions as needed.
Ability to document individual’s response to treatment, including current functional level, treatment outcomes, the need for assistive technology as required by ISP.
Clinically supervise and train interns in the practice of recreational therapy.
Inputs RT schedules on the kids calendars.
Weekends and some holidays required.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements an individualized recreational therapy treatment plan that identifies goals, objectives, and treatment intervention strategies, and includes measurable functional outcomes described in behavioral terms that provide a period for achievement for individual children and/or young adults.
Conducts an individualized assessment to collect systematic, comprehensive, and accurate data necessary to determine a course of action and subsequent individual treatment plan on a yearly or as needed basis; submitting annual reports to QIDP on a timely basis; attending appropriate ISP/IDT meetings; updating ISP paperwork after the individual’s ISP meetings, training Direct Support Professional staff on changes or updates made to the ISP plan for each resident as needed.
Uses appropriate intervention strategies to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate the individual in order to improve functioning and independence, creating programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the child and/or young adults and coordinated with their ISP goals, and conducting activity analysis on programs that are created and making changes to program binder as needed.
Systematically re-assesses and evaluates each assigned individual’s progress on a monthly and quarterly basis and reports to QIDP and ISP team on progress; revising treatment plan as needed and training and DSP 1s and DSP 2s as needed on the updated ISP.
Develops discharge plan in collaboration with QIDP and ISP team, and family as appropriate.
Works with MTRS to create a comprehensive program schedule for the week including weekend, weekdays, and holidays, and summer break in order to provide meaningful recreation and leisure activities.
Coordinates and maintains a day-to-day program schedule for group activities and on-unit activities to ensure proper staff coverage.
Assists in the interview process for DSP staff as requested.
Leads programs in units and/or classrooms in the afternoon, coaching, mentoring, and facilitating and monitoring the involvement of the DSP staff with children in activities.
Attends and assists children with activities on field trips in the community as needed.
Assists in Quality Assurance issues and documentation.
Engages in routine, systematic program review and research to assist in ensuring program appropriateness, effectiveness, and modifications as necessary.
Assists MRT in creating and maintaining records of all RT programs and services offered; ensuring that data is available for any Grants, QI or PCP initiatives.
Becomes familiar with, supports, and completes data collection to include behavioral management component of the residents’ active treatment plan, sleep stats, INO, or others as assigned.
Must attend and actively participate in all mandatory training sessions.
Works a flexible schedule to ensure coverage on weekends and holidays as needed.
Assists in supervision of Recreational Therapy Department staff in absence of MRTS.
Submits schedule for special events for input on the kids calendar.
Demonstrates respect and courtesy towards the individuals served here, family members, guests, vendors, and co-workers at all times, and acting as an “ambassador of St. Mary’s,” positively greeting others and offering assistance as needed.
Complies with attendance and punctuality policies.
Works well with others.
Uses time appropriately.
Attire is appropriate for job.
Follows instructions with a positive attitude.
Complies with all policies and procedures.