Therapist, Recreational (Geriatrics)

Job Description
Overview

Plans, organizes, and directs recreational programs for patients with the objective of improving their physical, mental, and social well being.

Responsibilities

Organizes AND Leads Special And Ongoing Therapeutic Recreation Programs (E.G., Sports, Games, Outings, Music, Dance, Etc.)
Keeps Accurate Daily Records Of Activities And Number Of Participants And Progress Reports On Groups And/or Individual Patients.
Reports All Unsafe Conditions And Maintains Supplies And Equipment
Interviews Referred Patients and Plans Therapeutic Recreation Activities Modified for Patient’s Limitations And Needs. Oversees Trained Volunteers
Keeps Accurate Clinical Notes, Records, And Reports On Patients
Recommends Patients To Therapeutic Classes And Groups. Instructs Individual Patients In Recreation
Attends Staff And Special Clinical Meetings, Contributing To Planning Implementation Of The Total Program Of Recreation Services And Programs For Groups And Individuals In The Assigned Unit
Prepares, Distributes, And Cleans Up Refreshments And Decorations
Operates Special Equipment (Tape Recorder, Movie Projector, Etc.).
Maintain clinical notes in medical records in a timely fashion, keep daily statistics, prepare/maintain monthly calendar of activities/events.
***If the individual is working in the Pediatric/Young Adult dept. the following is required:

Provide creative art therapy to patients and supportive /psychotherapeutic services to patient families
Maintains age- appropriate curriculum of dynamic and engaging daily recreational activities (adaptive art, sensory stimulation, games), outings or community inclusion (libraries, museums, cultural events, etc.), and therapeutic groups that provide opportunities for psychosocial enrichment and overall developmental enhancement.
Supervise student interns and oversees trained volunteers.
Familiar with all required documentation, including MDS and CCP.
Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, or Related field.
***If the individual is working in the Pediatric/Young Adult dept. the following is required:

Masters Degree in Music Therapy.
Must be board certified and a Licensed Creative Art Therapist or eligible for limited permit
Experience:

Minimum two (2) years full-time experience in a Nursing Home or Hospital setting with any of the populations served by the facility.
Must be able to produce required medical/clinical documentation including MDS (Minimum Data Set) and CCP.
Must be able to play a musical instrument and to provide music-related activities for the residents
Schedule will include one of the weekend days.
***If the individual is working in the Pediatric/Young Adult dept. the following is required:

Training with special needs children or pediatric population required.
Two years professional experience preferred. Previous experience with medical/clinical documentation including MDS (Minimum Data Set) and CCP preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

Ability to work in surroundings with degree of dust, noise, etc. without undue discomfort.
Ability to hear, talk, walk, stand, bend and stretch
Ability to read, write and interpret documents
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and/or co-workers
May be required to operate and clean equipment

License, Certifications:

***If the individual is working in the Pediatric/Young Adult dept. the following is required:

Must be board certified and a Licensed Creative Art Therapist or eligible for limited permit

Physical Requirements:

Position requires prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day.
Position will be required to stoops, bends, lifts, carry items weighing up to 75 pounds.
May be required to handle reasonably heavy weights across distances
May be required to handle/ assist in lifting patients onto/out of exam beds/procedure stations
Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue, but potential for exposure.