Therapeutic Rec Aide 4-10s
About The Position
The Therapeutic Recreation Aide conducts recreational therapy services to support the psychosocial rehabilitation of psychiatric patients in an acute psychiatric health care facility. The role reports directly to the Therapeutic Recreation Director and works with patients and the multidisciplinary treatment team to provide individualized recreation interventions that support treatment goals and quality outcomes. The aide explains and leads therapeutic recreation activities, observes and motivates patients, monitors individual needs and goals, and completes timely documentation of interventions and patient progress. The role also supports patients in developing social interaction, coping, problem-solving, anger management, health, and fitness skills. Additional duties include maintaining patient and activity safety, assessing patients, keeping rooms and equipment clean, managing supplies and inventory, cooperating with other departments, and helping enforce hospital and departmental policies. Flexible hours and the ability to work with children, adolescents, or adults experiencing mental health disturbances or dual diagnoses are required.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- CPR and CPI certifications, licenses, or registrations.
- Ability to read and interpret instructions and documents and follow procedures.
- Ability to write routine reports and communicate effectively with patients and their families, employees, and the public.
- Ability to solve practical problems, handle variables, and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
- Ability to work flexible hours.
- Ability to work with children, adolescents, or adults experiencing mental health disturbances or dual diagnoses.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience working with people in a therapeutic recreation activity, supportive, or service capacity.
- Completion of the MEPAP 1 course.
Responsibilities
- Explain the benefits of and orient patients to the therapeutic recreation program.
- Interact with patients throughout sessions, observe their interests and behaviors, and motivate them to participate in beneficial activities.
- Maintain awareness of patients’ needs and individual goals.
- Lead and conduct planned therapeutic recreation sessions.
- Complete documentation accurately and promptly, including interventions used and patient progress.
- Listen to patient complaints and work positively to help address them.
- Assist with limit setting in a firm but kind manner, treating everyone with respect.
- Help patients understand the benefits of ongoing health and fitness and develop social interaction, coping, problem-solving, anger management, and other skills across therapeutic recreation domains.
- Count and monitor therapeutic recreation supplies before and after groups to ensure none are missing.
- Complete a therapeutic recreation assessment for each patient within 48 hours of admission and reassess long-term patients annually for changes.
- Observe patients and share appropriate information with the charge nurse, supervisor, and coworkers.
- Maintain cleaning logs for multipurpose rooms, supplies, and equipment.
- Receive a report from nursing staff before taking patients to off-unit activities or providing on-unit sessions.
- Attend Recreation department meetings and participate in committees or teams as requested.
- Understand the treatment-planning process and provide active treatment interventions aligned with patient goals.
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team to develop and implement individualized therapeutic recreation interventions.
- Work independently, cooperate with staff in other departments, and report concerns promptly to the direct supervisor.
- Perform non-patient duties, including cleaning sinks and art room counters and putting away exercise equipment.
- Transport patients to therapeutic recreation activities and attend therapeutic community outings as requested.
- Obtain supervisor approval for spending; maintain supplies and inventory, and order from central supply and the kitchen.
- Learn to use copiers and fax machines, help enforce hospital and departmental policies, and assist with orientation of new employees as requested.
- Use good judgment, set a positive example, apply TQM principles, and perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
