Recreational Therapist - Outpatient PRN

Advocate Health • West Allis, WI

12d • $27 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

The Recreational Therapist provides outpatient rehabilitation services for adult and pediatric patients across neurological and various diagnoses. The role plans and delivers individualized treatment based on physician referrals, assessment findings, patient and family goals, interests, and clinical judgment. Treatment may include community reintegration outings, adaptive recreation and leisure equipment, supplemental group therapy, and education for patients and families. The therapist collaborates with the care team on patient goals and discharge planning, documents and bills for services in Care Connection, and contributes to department operations, safety, quality improvement, and patient satisfaction. The schedule is 20 hours per week and requires evening and weekend work. Experience with aquatic therapy is preferred, and there may be opportunities to assist with support groups.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy from an accredited school.
• Certification by NCTRC.
• Good interpersonal skills and communication abilities.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to assist patients with ambulation over a variety of surfaces and use a variety of therapeutic activities.
• Ability to transport patients into the community in an eight-passenger, wheelchair-accessible rehabilitation bus.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts over 35 pounds, or when a patient cannot assist, use patient-handling equipment with at least one other associate when available; unique lifting and movement situations are assessed individually.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with aquatic therapy.

Responsibilities

• Plan appropriate treatment programs, including community reintegration outings, based on physician referrals, evaluation results, patient and family goals and interests, clinical judgment, and other relevant information.
• Administer daily treatment and adjust plans as needed to meet patients’ changing needs.
• Select appropriate recreational and leisure adaptive equipment and instruct patients in its use and maintenance.
• Complete competency assessments related to patient care.
• Determine when supplemental group therapy is appropriate and request scheduling.
• Communicate with team members, other professionals, families, and caregivers to support optimal patient care; establish effective rapport with patients of all ages as assigned.
• Select and administer assessments to evaluate adult and pediatric rehabilitation patients’ abilities and limitations.
• Interpret initial assessments of leisure skills, adaptation needs, social background, cognitive functioning, and community involvement.
• Establish functional, measurable short- and long-term goals and complete assessment competencies.
• Educate patients and families or significant others according to patient needs, accounting for learning readiness, preferences, and barriers.
• Participate in community education programs when required and coordinate community-related rehabilitation events as requested.
• Consult with team members about readiness for discharge and plan termination of treatment, which may include home treatment plans, equipment or devices, and continued services.
• Complete computerized documentation and accurately bill for each patient in Care Connection according to departmental policy.
• Maintain a productive schedule, averaging 6.5 of 8 hours per day in direct clinical care, and inform the coordinator of schedule openings or cancellations.
• Maintain a clean work environment and contribute to departmental committees and program development as appropriate.
• Participate in quality improvement by measuring critical functions and joining teams to improve work processes.
• Uphold Advocate Health Care and Advocate Christ Medical Center policies and procedures.
• Follow safety and infection-control measures and promptly report problems to the coordinator.
• Promote patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating in safety initiatives.
• Participate in departmental meetings, in-services, and continuing education programs.
• Supervise recreational therapy interns at the coordinator’s request after completing one year of clinical experience.
• Support patient satisfaction initiatives and routinely meet the needs and expectations of patients and families.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Paid time off programs.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Competitive compensation, premium pay for eligible shifts or on-call work, incentive pay for select positions, and potential annual performance-based increases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level