Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

State of Nevada•Sparks, NV

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Human Services is offering an open competitive recruitment at Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (NNAMHS) for a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist position in Sparks, NV. This full-time position is within Dini-Townsend Hospital. The hours and days of work are negotiable and may include weekend shifts. This position requires a working knowledge of theories and practices of recreational therapy/leisure activities; applicable state/federal laws/regulations, and procedures related to recreational therapy. This position supports psychiatric treatment and provides recreational rehabilitation services for adults with serious mental illness (SMI). We improve quality of life through innovative programs and service delivery systems. The Therapeutic Recreation Specialists provide a full spectrum of recreation services including but not limited to therapeutic gardening, volleyball, ceramics/pottery, creative arts, Nintendo Wii activities, recovery classes, leisure education, fitness awareness and personal development classes. This position has the ability to work flexible schedules. Therapeutic Recreation Specialists perform assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic services to assist individuals in improving their mental and physical health and/or social functioning.

Requirements

Three or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties and graduation from high school or equivalent education.
Knowledge of applicable federal and State laws, regulations, and agency policies and procedures.
Knowledge of theories and practices of recreational therapy and leisure activities; human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and visual motor and psychomotor functioning; developmental and learning disabilities; characteristics and symptoms of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and related disorders; psychosocial and behavioral treatment models and group dynamics; basic math skills.
Skill in interpersonal and communication, both verbal and written.
Skill in use and operation of office and job-related equipment and software.
Ability to assess mental, emotional, and physical capabilities and limitations.
Ability to participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop and revise treatment plans, goals, and objectives.
Ability to review diagnostic findings and conceptualize treatment strategies.
Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and conduct appropriate therapeutic recreation activities.
Ability to adapt, create, and design recreational activities and equipment.
Ability to move and set up athletic equipment and recreation supplies for planned activities.
Ability to coordinate services with other therapeutic disciplines.
Ability to provide therapeutic recreation therapy in potentially hostile environments where clients and/or patients may be uncooperative or combative.
Ability to counsel, train, and motivate clients and/or patients.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, patients, and others involved in the treatment program.
Ability to apply teaching methods and techniques.
Ability to administer first aid in emergency situations.
Ability to operate a van, bus, or automobile to transport clients and/or patients as required.

Responsibilities

Conduct interviews, assess recreational interests, and evaluate physical, mental, and emotional limitations.
Review medical records and confer with staff on physical disabilities, injuries, or other medical conditions.
Prepare treatment plans and document prescribed therapeutic activities within applied constraints.
Plan, organize, schedule, coordinate, and conduct therapeutic activities.
Modify, adapt, and fabricate equipment to accommodate special needs.
Schedule and conduct individual and group therapy sessions.
Monitor individuals during activities, evaluate progress towards treatment goals, and adjust activities.
Document special problems, incidents, achievements, and developments.
Evaluate and revise treatment goals and objectives, modalities, and frequency.
Assess and document progress, record notes, and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
Aid in developing recreation and leisure activity resources.
Prepare and monitor the recreation budget.
Purchase supplies and materials and repair or arrange for repair of equipment.
Provide training in treatment modalities.
Demonstrate and participate in the maintenance, repair, set-up, and storage of recreation equipment.
Assist individuals in pursing leisure activities.
Adhere to health and safety procedures.
Perform related duties as assigned.