Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (5960)

Basic Function/Overall Responsibilities: Develop plan, implement, and document therapeutic recreation programs and interventions based on a standardized clinical assessment of identified needs, which promotes learning, growth, development and skill acquisition in the areas of gross motor, fine motor, socialization, cognitive and community integration skills.

Shift: Monday- Friday, 11:00am- 7:00pm

Principal Assigned Responsibilities:

- Complete the Standardized Therapeutic Recreation Assessment for all children on the assigned case load within 30 days of admission to the residential facility.

- Complete the Standardized Recreation and Leisure Service Profile to determine each child's recreation and leisure interest.

- Prepares a Therapeutic Recreation Clinical Summary which specifies each child's strengths, needs and clinical recommendations designed to enhance areas of skill development.

- Develop an individualized recreational plan with input from each child for integration into his/her comprehensive treatment plan.

- Develop therapeutic recreation goals, objectives and methodologies that specifically addresses identified Therapeutic Recreation needs based on clinical assessment.

- Develop and maintain a system of data collection which measures each child's progress toward stated goals and objectives, identified within their Therapeutic Recreation Plan.

- Complete a monthly progress note, based on measurable and observable data.

- Attend all treatment planning and management meetings, as required. Present Therapeutic. recreation findings and recommendations at clinic team meetings.

- Plan, develop, implement and post, a monthly Recreation Calendar for the residence.

- Permanent member of the treatment team, with ongoing and consistent participation in treatment planning and review.

- Assist with the implementation of specialized adjunct therapies consisting of Music Therapy, Dance Therapy, Pet Therapy, Horseback Riding Therapy, etc.

- Adjust assigned work schedule to meet the needs of specialized community integration programs including but not limited to the Heart Run/Walk, Boilermaker, Spring Formal, Musical Presentation/Concerts, etc. Which may require evening and weekend hours.

- Provide Child Care Workers with ongoing in-service training as it relates to the implementation and delivery of the Therapeutic Recreation program.

- Provide Ongoing Recreation and Leisure in-service training to new employees.

- Coordinate equipment and supplies for the implementation of therapeutic recreation activities.

- Attend require agency training, workshops and seminars as appropriate or required for continuing education.

- Successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, annual CPR and all other required agency trainings as defined by program and agency policy.

- Active participation in program and agency wide quality assessment and improvement activities in accordance with the agency's Quality Improvement Program.

- Attend pre-shift meetings and provide Program Supervisors and direct care and staff, clinical direction as it relates to the provision of scheduled therapeutic activities.

- Maintain and monitor spending expenditures within the context of the recreation budget allocations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements:

- Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minimum of three years' experience treating seriously emotionally disturbed children and youth;

- Current certification by the National Therapeutic Recreation Council as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist required for Office of Mental Health (OMH) programs, preferred for Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) programs.

- Valid New York State Driver's License.