Recreational Therapist Part Time - Full-time / Part-time

PURPOSE:

Organizes and coordinates therapeutic activity programs to effect improvement in the physical, mental, and social well-being of patients. Prepares reports on patient progress, and with the consensus of the treatment team, modifies programs in accordance with the patient's needs and capacities.

Clinical Skills

. Provides a variety of types of activities to meet individual patient needs. Establishes leisure educational programs.

. Encourages patients and families to participate in recreational programs.

. Develops, conducts, and evaluates comprehensive recreational program plans and objectives to meet individual patient needs in coordination with other team members.

. Organizes records, maintains, and orders equipment and supplies.

. Provides care to patients in a manner that considers safety, respect, comfort, and the therapeutic environment.

. Documents delivery of treatment services and patient progress.

. Relates with patients, public, and team members in a manner conducive to a harmonious working environment in which patient-centered goals are achieved.

. Supervises and maintains close communication with the volunteers to maximize their contributions.

. Maintains established departmental policies and procedures including those that govern confidentiality, objectives, quality improvement program, risk management/safety, environmental and infection control standards.

. Adheres to Palo Verde Behavioral Health organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies and standards.

. Performs related duties as assigned.

Patient Care

. Coordinate care with referral sources and other involved professionals

. Maintain regular communication with family members as appropriate

. Return phone calls to professionals and family in a timely manner

. Encourage patients to participate fully in all aspects of the treatment program

. Educate all patients, whenever possible, about ways to facilitate recovery

. Follow safety practices as outlined in Palo Verde Behavioral Health policies and procedures

. Follow the protocol and guidelines of the inpatient program and other formal treatment programs

. Help patients benefit from their insurance by timely completion of all paperwork, returning phone calls, and actively participating in utilization management

Supervision

. Seek consultation and supervision on specific cases as needed from colleagues at Palo Verde Behavioral Health

Medical Records

. Complete formal assessments and reports within specified time lines

. Chart each session and all relevant contact related to the patient on day of contact

. Chart entries should record the patient's response to treatment, current mental status, progress in the program, and need for continued treatment if appropriate

. Chart to specific treatment plan goals according to Palo Verde Behavioral Health guidelines

. Ensure the treatment plan is completed and on the chart within the specified time frame

. Complete a group therapy note for all patients in group therapy within specified time lines

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree in Recreational Therapy or a closely related therapy field.

One (1) year of experience as a Recreational Therapist strongly preferred.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, time management, crisis intervention, and group and individual psychotherapy required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to observe patient behaviors and write notes in medical charts

Must be able to physically assist or restrain patients in compliance with the restraint policy

LICENSURE/ CERTIFICATION:

Keep current with continuing education requirements for State licensure

Maintain current professional license

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