Job Summary: Responsible for assisting the Licensed Recreational Therapist with the planning and implementing the unit's therapeutic patient activities, and assisting patients with daily living activities. Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas: Assists the Licensed Recreational Therapist with the implementation of the unit's Recreational Therapy Program Conducts recreational therapy group sessions as directed by the Recreational Therapist, displaying good theoretical knowledge of group principles and good group techniques. Completes recreational therapy evaluations in a prescribed time frame of 72 hours, not including weekends. Participates in multidisciplinary treatment planning staffing as needed to assist the Recreational Therapist with treatment team needs. Displays good interviewing, assessment, and report writing skills. Completes progress notes and group documentation and documents patient progress in accordance to the treatment plan and as directed by the licensed recreational therapist according to the patient's observed need and treatment plan in a timely and high-quality manner. Treats patients as directed by Treatment Team, physician and Recreational Therapist. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Adheres to general expectations for all employees in order that the program functions in an effective manner to meet the treatment needs of patients. Provides feedback to supervisor on an ongoing basis in regard to concerns, improvements, changes, etc. Identifies areas needing improvement and participates in the performance improvement process for the program. Intervenes with patients who disregard, violate, and ignore unit safety rules. Reports and appropriately responds to any signs of increasing aggression, suicidal behavior, danger of elopement, violation of smoking rules, or violation of any other unit facility safety rules. Assists in placing patients in seclusion or restraints and observes restraint/seclusion precautions. Exhibits excellent customer service at all times (telephone, visitors, patient interactions, other hospital personnel). Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality. Addresses any concerns about the Recreational Therapy Program to the licensed RT and to the supervisor as needed. Requirements Professional Requirements: Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean. Completes annual education requirements. Maintains regulatory requirements. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times. Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time. Wears identification while on duty. Completes inservices and returns in a timely fashion. Attends annual review and department inservices, as scheduled. Attends staff meetings, or reads and returns all staff meeting minutes. Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner. Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities. Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices. Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department. Regulatory Requirements:
- Associate's Degree in Activities/Recreational Therapy required, Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Current Certified Activiites Therapy Certification or qualifies for certification Or CertifiedTherapeutic Recreation Specialist.
- One year of experience in mental health or related field specializing in activity or recreational therapy.
Language Skills:
- Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Additional languages preferred.
Skills:
- Basic computer knowledge.
Physical Demands:
- Normal hospital environment. Occasional bending, squatting, balancing, pulling with force, reaching above head, reaching above shoulder, twisting at waist, push/pull up to 5 pounds, lift/carry up to 15 pounds, lift from floor level up, lift from waist level up, and lift above shoulders/head. Standing for 1 hour per day, sitting for 2 hours, and walking for &fac12; hour per day. Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder/normal speaking voice. Have good manual dexterity. Have good eye-hand-foot coordination. Have clarity of vision.
- This position is a safety sensitive position pursuant to Amendment 98 to the Arkansas Constitution § 2(25). A safety sensitive position means any position in which a person performing the position while under the influence of marijuana may constitute a threat to health or safety. This position is therefore safety sensitive due to the fact it requires the following: performing life-threatening procedures; working with hazardous or flammable materials, controlled substances, food, or medicine; and a lapse of attention while working in this position could result in injury, illness, or death.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.