Recreation Therapist

Job Code: RE1486

 

Part Time | Hours are negotiable, or typical schedule is as follows:  Week one is Sun 9-5:30p, Thurs 9-4:30p, Fri 10:30- 7p.  Week 2 is Weds 9- 5:30, Fri 10:30-7p and Sat 10:30-7p. 

 

ABOUT US

We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Community Health (UVACH), we believe in caring for the whole person by getting to know – and making connections with – our patients. By combining the talent and expertise of our people, the breadth of capabilities across our system, and our commitment to helping our communities get better and stay healthy, we are improving the patient experience.

As a UVACH team member, you will have a voice in patient care decisions, support the most advanced medical technologies and feel a strong sense of satisfaction from making a difference in people’s lives every day.

JOB TYPE

Classification: Nonexempt

Supervises Positions: No

 

JOB SUMMARY

The Recreation Therapist reports to the Manager of Behavioral Health Operations and is responsible and accountable for the planning, directing and provision of assessment and of psycho-educational groups and therapeutic recreational activities to patients in accordance with physician’s orders and UVACH. Able to participate in process improvements, team meetings, and/or department specific committee meetings.

Patient Care: Delivers care that is consistent with the team member’s discipline in accordance with the specific therapy practice act, guidelines, and code of ethics of the respective organization, i.e.,  American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)

Completes recreation therapy assessments, documentation and therapeutic groups independently while maintaining patient safety Appropriately seeks guidance and assistance when necessary   Independently establishes/implements treatment goals and plans based on patient input and assessment results   Reassesses outcomes and modifies goals and plans to meet changing needs of the patient  Schedules patient activities according to patient individual needs  Runs therapeutic groups to include but not limited to substance abuse, leisure education, leisure awareness, self-esteem, and/or stress management

Teamwork: Develops and maintains positive relationships with team members and coworkers. 

Functions as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team   Accepts responsibility for actions; seeks, accepts, and acts positively upon feedback from others   Shares responsibility for effective internal communications through a team approach   Organizes individual patient caseload in collaboration with team workload demands   Performs daily administrative/office activities to ensure efficient flow of care within team 

Technical Competency: Demonstrates technical competencies and job knowledge as it pertains to rehabilitative care.  

Acquires and maintains knowledge of clinical therapy practice by identifying continuing education needs and participating in educational opportunities   Provides orientation and guidance to new staff in work area as requested  

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 4 Year/Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy or a related field with concentration in Recreational Therapy.      .

Experience: 1 year of clinical experience in Behavioral Health preferred. 1 year experience of mental health/substance abuse background with a working knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis and therapeutic interventions with the mental health/substance abuse population preferred. 

Licensure: National Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (NCTRS) certification  or eligible to sit for NCTRC exam within 6 months of employment. Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details.

Additional Skills/Requirements Required:. Provide clinical services to a wide range of ages, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. Keep accurate and appropriate record. Perform well in a work environment dependent upon mutual support, a high degree of independence, and a strong team concept. Skilled at presenting to groups, facilitating group interaction and providing one to one sessions as needed.

Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demand Code: 23A, Therapist

Work Function/Activity: Medium to Heavy Physical Demand

The job requires standing and walking constantly and frequently bending/stooping. Frequent repetitive body movements. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs. For any weight over 35 lbs., use Safe Handling Equipment. 

This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of UVACH.

 

OTHER

May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes On call responsibilities as directed: No Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes