Recreation Therapist

Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness boldly commits to supporting the well-being of our communities, ensuring equity in access and delivering exceptional care inspired by a culture of innovation.

We are taking a responsible approach to creating environments that allow us to do what we do best provide healthcare and wellness.

As a part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for all employees, as well as all newly hired employees.

We require documentation upon hire.

SUMMARY

The purpose of the Recreation Therapist position is to involve and assist the youths using leisure and recreation activities to support positive health and well-being in the Integrated Care Center.

The Recreation Therapist position balances physical and behavioral therapy and utilizes modalities such as games, music, sports, drama, art and dance to support the youth in reaching their care / treatment plan goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following :

• Develop and implement an overall program in the areas of recreation and wellness to youths in the Interim Care Center that is consistent with the mission and vision of agency.
• Plan recreation and wellness-focused activities which are consistent with the needs of the youth served based on a screening or assessment tool.
• Lead the unit in providing a variety of therapeutic leisure activities for the youth in both individual and group formats.
• Develop and coordinate psycho / educational groups in collaboration with the Therapists, Unit Managers and Care Coordinators.
• Provide and document crisis intervention services when the need is identified within the required guidelines.
• Develop monthly recreation and activity schedules for the program.
• Complete recreation and activity programming monthly reports.
• Communicate and collaborate with outside providers for additional recreational and activity services for the youths.
• Provide individual assessments for youth served.
• Participate in Care Coordination meetings and assist with the development, implementation and review of youth treatment / care plans.
• Ensure the programs are supplied with materials and equipment for indoor activities at all times and maintain inventory.
• Purchase and maintain all recreation equipment in an organized fashion.
• Transport and supervise youth to activities and functions. Staff must have DCFS driver’s clearance on file in order to provide transportation to the youth.
• Follow protocol as it relates to ensuring the safety of the youth including the use of de-escalation techniques and adherence to the behavior management / clinical model;

including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention certification (TCI).

• Participate in clinical supervision on a regular basis.
• Attend and participate in program and agency meetings and trainings as designated by the Supervisor.
• Complete all necessary paperwork and documentation, i.e. time sheets, vouchers, daily logs, incident reports, progress notes, etc.

and submit according to designated time frames.

• Fully and professionally respond to and implement directives, constructive feedback and advice offered by all supervisory and training personnel, as well as professionally offered feedback from co-workers.
• Ensure compliance with agency personnel file.
• Complete all core curriculum training(s) (MedTrainer) as required for this position.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

WORK HOURS

• Willing to work varying hours based on the need of the program. Hours may include evenings and weekends.
• Report to work on time and fully prepared to engage in all job responsibilities.
• If qualified, willing to cover job responsibilities of co-workers or subordinates in the event of an emergency or shortage as assigned by Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or equivalent and at least two years’ experience working with the youth population.

Candidate must also hold a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) licensure or equivalent. Bilingual preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Current driver’s license
• Current auto insurance
• The ability to critically think, work well under stress and work well in crisis-oriented situations.
• The ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and customer service skills.

Aunt Martha’s is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.