Recreational Therapist (Behavioral Health)

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

Provides structured activities designed to help a patient develop or maintain functional living skills including physical, social and creative skills through participation in activities of daily living, vocational, recreational, social, expressive, or other activities designed to promote patient recovery, resiliency and independence.  Plans and implements 1:1 and group recreational activities for psychiatric patients and performs tasks to maintain department in a neat and organized condition. Moderate exposure in regard to universal precautions.  Assist patients with mental impairments or psychological illnesses. A person trained as rehabilitation professional is often responsible for administering therapy and providing counseling services. Behavioral management is usually included in the therapy. The therapist may also help with physical activities for patients.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Duty 1: Implements patient care plan as assigned by the Clinical Manager, and reports on patient condition, reactions, and response to treatment.

Duty 2: Implements patient care plans to patients in Orchard Hall, and facilitates open communication between patient, staff, and physicians to ensure continuity of care, and discharge planning.

Duty 3: Ensures understanding from the patient, family, referring doctor and other professionals regarding progress, problems, home programs, and other issues related to the therapeutic process.

Duty 4: Develops, implements, and evaluates therapeutic occupational therapy programs and services in Orchard Hall.

Duty 5: Accurately maintains records of work performed to ensure proper documentation, billing, and hours worked in compliance of organizational, state, and federal regulations

Duty 6: Maintains equipment and supplies used as part of the therapeutic process.

Duty 7: Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.

Duty 8: Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Duty 9: Continues professional growth by attending educational meetings, workshops, visiting related facilities, and reading professional literature to ensure compliance with regulating occupational therapy board, and state licensure requirements.

Duty 10: Participates in 4 activities per year within the community that promotes the rehabilitation department.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Rehabilitation therapist means either an Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Assistant, a Recreational Therapist or an Expressive Therapist that is state licensed or certified by a recognized state or national body (see below).

• Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants must be licensed by the Ohio OTPTAT Board
• Recreational Therapists must be certified or registered by the Ohio Recreational Therapy Registration Board, National Council for Therapeutic Recreation or is licensed, certified or registered by another recognized state or national body to practice recreational therapy.
• Expressive Therapists must be certified or registered by the National Expressive Therapist Association, National Association of Music Therapy, American Association of Music Therapy, American Arts Therapy Association, American Dance Therapy Association or certified or registered by another recognized state or national body to practice expressive therapy.
• BLS (within 5 weeks of hire)
• Flexibility with schedule to change at short notice
• Be available on weekends and holidays – doesn’t necessarily need to be on campus, but does need to be available as needed during these times.
• Positive service-oriented interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his/her assigned unit/department.
• The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient status. 
• Must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the area’s policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

General: Occasionally pushes patients in wheelchairs (100-350 lbs.) and adjusts patient’s position for table or computer access, or assists in re-positioning patient in chair. Frequently shifts from sitting to standing when treating patients or engaged in routine documentation or office tasks. Occasionally transfers patient from bed to chair, chair to mat table, sit to stand, chair to chair (100-350 lbs.). Frequently walks within building to treat patient in other areas or attend meetings. Occasionally assists patients for standing or walking within the clinic or hallways. Sitting tolerance required on the average of 50% of day; standing tolerance 50%. Frequently demonstrates the use of proper body mechanics and lifting techniques in a variety of functional tasks. Occasionally pushes/pulls to demonstrate equipment or to move file and storage cabinet drawers to retrieve or return files. Frequently transfers files, treatment materials, office supplies (1-5 lbs.).

• Fine Motor Coordination: Frequently writes or uses computer/keyboard to document treatment/patient care. Sufficient fine motor coordination needed to fabricate certain splints under the supervision of the OTR, set up and demonstrate fine motor treatment tasks, do scar massage with supervision, teach craft skills. Frequently uses fine motor skills during treatment.
• Verbal Expression: Frequently verbalizes when treating, team conferencing, consulting via telephone, presenting in-services or programs in the community.
• Hearing: Relies upon hearing to discern speech and voice impairments, to determine adequacy of spoken language and cognitive responses during treatment, and to adequately communicate with other professionals in person or via telephone.
• Vision: Frequently visually observes patient to assess function and response during treatment and to ensure safety. Frequently must read written reports and communication.
• Environmental Factors: Occasional risk of infection which requires use of safety precautions such as surgical masks, gown, gloves, hand-washing procedures.

This position is classified at risk for possible occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (HBV, HIV, etc.)