Recreational Therapist, CTRS

UHS•Staunton, VA

13d

About The Position

Liberty Point Behavioral Healthcare is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley -- a region best known for its natural beauty -- in the charming city of Staunton, Virginia. We provide trauma-informed psychiatric residential treatment to adolescent males who are experiencing complex emotional, behavioral, and educational difficulties. Our programs are specifically designed for youth with psychiatric disorders and co-occurring intellectual disabilities. We also specialize in working with young men who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. We are a 42-bed facility with a program that prepares young men for return to a home, a less restrictive environment, or to independent living. Our primary focus is on encouraging constructive change and personal growth, learning positive ways to get appropriate attention, improving behavior choices, developing a sense of responsibility for actions, learning problem-solving skills, and developing thinking patterns that support positive relationships. In addition to our residential treatment center, we have just opened an offsite PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) in Staunton for male and female adolescent patients. This is an intensive treatment opportunity for youth who do not require long-term residential care, but do need more than traditional outpatient care in a secure and supportive environment. The Rec Therapist will provide daily treatment to PHP patients in addition to patients at the RTC. The Recreational Therapist is responsible for planning, developing, providing, and evaluating clinical recreation therapy/treatment for residents and/or patients at Liberty Point. Specialized recreation therapy techniques are used to meet the physical, social, emotional, cultural and rehabilitative needs of patients. Position functions as a team member in all aspects of clinical decision-making and with the construction of multidisciplinary treatment planning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Therapy or related field
Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Two (2) years experience providing Recreation/Activities Therapy. Prefer minimum of two (2) years in a psychiatric setting with adolescents
Must be at least 21 years of age at time of hire
Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record
Working knowledge of recreational therapy programming
Successful candidate must be able to: Lift and carry up to 50 pounds,
Effectively use the full range of body motion -- sit, bend, kneel or stand for more than an hour if needed.
Reflect behavior, attitude, and appearance appropriate to the position and be supportive of the facility and division philosophy, goals, and objectives
Successfully complete and pass all components of Handle With Care & Verbal De-escalation Crisis Intervention Training,
Effectively perform facility approved First Aid and CPR techniques (CPR, First Aid, and HWC training will be obtained during new employee orientation)

Responsibilities

Develops individualized therapeutic strategies for assigned patients and documents on the master treatment plan within 10 days of admission
Conducts goal-oriented recreation therapy groups
Documents informative progress notes on each patient for each intervention with compliance with all applicable standards (Virginia Medicaid, TriCare, etc.)
Prepares the recreation therapy discharge plan for each patient assigned
Provides transportation and supervision for Recreation Therapy outings
Solicits input from staff in developing weekend, holiday, and vacation activity for the patients on each unit
Participates in activities which enhance professional growth and development
Is accessible, approachable and visible to staff during work hours
Helps ensure that Liberty Point has a quality and comprehensive resident Activity and Recreation Program
Helps ensure the resident activities calendar, activity notifications, and special events are effectively communicated
Assists staff and provides support to employees by introducing and educating staff to activities
Assists, demonstrates, teaches, and instructs activities to residents
Provides direct supervision and care for intellectually disabled adolescents in a residential setting
Provides positive and appropriate intervention, limit-setting, response, problem-solving, and guidance when needed
Provide effective, accurate, and legible documentation
Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and follow-thru with resident treatment plans and interventions
Respond to children in a caring, mature manner while demonstrating sound professional boundaries with both residents and staff