Recreation Therapist

Job Description - Recreation Therapist )

Job Description

Recreation Therapist - (  )

For the Kids in Action outpatient/community program, the Recreation Therapist facilitates therapeutic recreation group programming. He/she is responsible for participant evaluations, planning and implementing recreation therapy services for the outpatient/community population, coordinating volunteers, and creating community partners.

Minimum Education

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy from a National Council Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) accredited institution. (Required)

Required Licenses and Certifications

Current/eligible for District of Columbia recreation therapist license. (Required)
National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). (Preferred)
CPR Certification (Required)

• Utilize outcome measurement tools as per established guidelines.
• Effectively and independently provide recreation therapy services according to professional standards and established regulations set forth by RSC, the Department of Health and The Joint Commission which focus on patient safety, function, pain tolerance/level, goals, etc.
• Responsible for supporting/assisting with the support of the Recreation Therapy clinical education program. Oversee students as assigned.
• Assist with the development and/or revision of departmental policies and procedures.
• As appropriate, effectively handle administrative/shared responsibilities.
• Make suggestions regarding purchase of new equipment and supplies, when necessary.
• Maintain equipment and supplies in a clean and orderly condition.
• Ensure that he/she completes required or necessary orientation, annual training and in-services. Also ensure all competencies are maintained.
• Ensure timely and cooperative inter- and intra-departmental relationships and communications throughout the hospital and the system and with individuals/community members external to the hospital and system.
• Assist with the monitoring and evaluation process for important aspects of care for the department via performance improvement programs
• Facilitate and support department compliance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations and standards, including those governing professional practice. Assumes responsibility for meeting required specified by The Joint Commission /DOH and other relevant regulatory agencies and organizations.
• Maintain skills, licensure, regulatory requirements and credentials needed to perform assigned duties.
• For the inpatient population, the Recreation Therapist will:
• Perform and document pertinent evaluation results, including patient and/or family interview, observation, objective measurements, systems review and interpretation of findings, within time frames consistent with department policy.
• Discuss evaluation results and outcomes with patient/caregiver and appropriate healthcare team members and respond to questions appropriately.
• Refer patient to appropriate practitioner if the diagnosis is outside scope of expertise.
• Set measurable and realistic short and/or long-term goals based on patient’s medical status, anticipated therapeutic outcome(s), discharge plans and patient/family input.
• Involve patient/family and/or other caregiver(s), including expectations and limitations, in goal development and plan of care to include discharge planning.
• Periodically re-evaluate and modify treatment plan and goals based on patient's medical status, response to treatment, anticipated therapeutic outcome(s), developmental need and/or discharge plans.
• Instruct and encourage patient, family members and/or caregivers in therapeutic activities and family education.
• Demonstrate familiarity with all policies and procedures of the Hospital and the Inpatient program.
• Assess and identify discharge planning needs with consideration of patient’s medical, psychological, behavioral and socioeconomic status as well as anticipated therapeutic outcome(s).
• Follow established documentation policies and guidelines regarding initial evaluations, treatment/progress notes, teaching records, and discharge summaries as set forth by the department.
• Plan,…