Therapist, Recreational (Geriatrics)

Overview

Responsibilities

• Organize and lead therapeutic recreation programs such as sports, games, outings, music, and dance.
• Maintain daily activity records, participant counts, progress reports, clinical notes, and patient records.
• Report unsafe conditions and maintain supplies and equipment.
• Interview referred patients and plan activities adapted to their limitations and needs.
• Oversee trained volunteers and supervise student interns when applicable.
• Recommend patients for therapeutic classes and groups and provide individual recreation instruction.
• Attend staff and clinical meetings and contribute to planning and implementing recreation services.
• Prepare, distribute, and clean up refreshments and decorations.
• Maintain monthly calendars of activities and events and operate special equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field required.
• Minimum two years of full-time experience in a nursing home or hospital setting with a population served by the facility.
• Must be able to produce medical and clinical documentation, including MDS and CCP.
• Must be able to play a musical instrument and provide music-related activities for residents.
• Schedule includes one weekend day.

Pediatric or Young Adult Department

• A master's degree in music therapy is required for work in the Pediatric/Young Adult department.
• Board certification and a Licensed Creative Art Therapist credential or eligibility for a limited permit are required for the Pediatric/Young Adult department.
• Training with children with special needs or a pediatric population is required for the Pediatric/Young Adult department.
• Two years of professional experience and prior MDS or CCP documentation experience are preferred for the Pediatric/Young Adult department.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to work in surroundings with dust, noise, and similar conditions without undue discomfort.
• Ability to hear, talk, walk, stand, bend, stretch, read, write, and interpret documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and coworkers.
• May be required to operate and clean equipment.

Physical Requirements

• The position requires prolonged standing, reaching, and walking throughout the workday.
• The position may require stooping, bending, lifting, and carrying items weighing up to 75 pounds.
• The role may require assisting with lifting patients onto examination beds or procedure stations.