Recreational Therapist I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center, operated by the Department of Mental Health, is seeking a Recreational Therapist to join its Psychiatric Rehabilitation Team. The role supports staff, clients, and affiliated programs in using the wellness areas at the Fuller site, including the gymnasium and fitness center, in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. The therapist maintains equipment inventory, recommends equipment purchases, and requests repairs or replacements as needed. The role also provides recreational groups for inpatient clients and promotes the safety of clients and staff during on-unit and off-unit activities. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Friday and Saturday off. Recreational Therapists may work in psychiatric treatment settings with people experiencing emotional distress, mental health conditions, or intellectual disabilities, and with people in the correctional system. Work may also take place outdoors in changing weather, and work-related travel may be necessary. The Fuller Center is a 60-bed inpatient psychiatric facility that provides forensic evaluations and integrated psychiatric treatment and care. Its stated vision emphasizes compassion, hope, recovery, self-determination, physical health, and preventing restraint and seclusion.

Requirements

Understanding of factors, trends, and issues involved in providing recreation services to special client groups, including people with mental health, physical, or age-related challenges.
Knowledge of safety practices and procedures for general recreation activities, including swimming.
Knowledge of counseling methods and techniques as applied to therapeutic recreation.
Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as applied to recreation therapy.
Ability to interact with people under physical or emotional stress.
Ability to stimulate interest and participation in recreational activities.
Ability to establish rapport with people from different ethnic, cultural, or economic backgrounds.
Ability to remain calm in stressful or emergency situations.
At least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience planning, organizing, instituting, or conducting therapeutic recreation services in a recognized public or private agency, or an equivalent combination of experience and qualifying education.
A bachelor's or higher degree with a major in recreation, recreation education, creative arts therapy, or therapeutic recreation may substitute for the required experience; education toward such a degree is prorated based on completed requirements.
Current Massachusetts driver's license; the special requirement states that possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License is required based on assignment.
Candidates must acknowledge and attest to their COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status or applicable required mitigation measures.
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified; a criminal background check will be completed for the recommended candidate before hiring.

Nice To Haves

Experience and ability to facilitate individual and group activities, including physical activities and exercise.
CPR/First-Aid Certificate.

Responsibilities

Support inpatient clients and clients from affiliated programs through meaningful wellness and leisure activities.
Support staff use of the wellness areas, including the gymnasium and fitness center, while following policy and procedure.
Help maintain safety in wellness areas and during on-unit and off-unit recreational activities.
Provide recreational groups for inpatient clients.
Maintain equipment inventory and equipment, and recommend or request repairs, replacements, and new equipment as appropriate.