Recreational Therapist – Behavioral Health

***Please note, you must have an active Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in order to be considered for the position.

General Summary:

• The Recreational Therapist will work fully onsite at our adult 18+ inpatient behavioral health unit at Advocate South Suburban Hospital. The Recreational Therapist will oversee programming for the unit, optimize the program schedule, facilitate therapy groups, and provide 1:1 therapy for patients. The therapist will also audit and support team members in improving group therapy skills while working to enhance the overall patient experience.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provision of Patient Care
  •     1)Plans appropriate treatment programs, including community reintegration outings for adult and pediatric rehabilitation patients based on physician referral, evaluation results, patient/family goals and interests, sound clinical judgment and other pertinent available information.
  •     2)Administers daily treatment ensuring that the treatment plan is age-appropriate and adjusted as necessary, in order to meet the changing needs of the patient.
  •     6)Selects appropriate adaptive equipment pertaining to recreation and/or leisure for patients and provides appropriate instruction in the maintenance and use of such equipment.
  •     3)Successfully completes all competency assessments pertaining to provision of patient care.
  •     4)Determines the need for appropriate supplemental group therapy and requests that it be scheduled accordingly.
  •     5)Communicates with team members, other professionals, family members and caregivers for the purpose of sharing information that will assist in achieving optimum care for the patient. Establishes effective rapport with patients of all ages depending on assignment.
• Patient Assessment
  •     1)Selects appropriate assessment procedures to evaluate the abilities and limitations of adult and pediatric rehabilitation patients.
  •     2)Administers and interprets initial assessments which determine the patient's status in the following areas of function: leisure skills, need for adaptation and modification for activity and/or equipment use, social background, cognitive functioning and community involvement.
  •     3)Establishes short and long terms goals which are functional and measurable.
  •     4)Completes assessment competencies.
• Patient / Family / Community Education
  •     1)Provides education to the patient and family or significant others based on patient need. Identifies and addresses learning readiness, preferences and learning barriers.
  •     2)May be required to participate in community education programs.
  •     3)Coordinates community related rehabilitation events as requested by coordinator or manager.
• Discharge Planning
  •     1)Consults with other team members to determine when the patient will be ready for discharge.
  •     2)Recognizes the need for termination of treatment and effectively plans discharge which may include establishing home treatment plans, arranging for equipment or devices, pertaining to recreation and leisure and/or arranging for continued services.
• Documentation
  •     1)Completes computerized documentation in Care Connection according to departmental policy.
  •     2)Accurately bills for each patient in Care Connection.
• Daily Operations
  •     1)Responsible for maintaining a productive schedule, with an average of 6.5 out of 8 hours per day scheduled for direct clinical care. Informs coordinator of openings and/or cancellations in their daily schedule.
  •     2)Performs other duties such as maintaining a clean work environment, and serving on departmental committees and in program development efforts as appropriate.
  •     3)Participates in the continuous improvement of the quality of services delivered through the department by participating in measuring critical functions and participating in teams to improve work processes.
  •     4)Upholds policies and procedures of Advocate Health Care / Advocate Christ Medical Center.
  •     5)Follows appropriate safety and infection control measures pertaining to patient care, equipment and the general working environment. Promptly reports any problems to their immediate coordinator.
  •     6)Promotes patient safety by reporting of issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives.
  •     7)Actively participates in departmental meetings, inservices and continuing education programs.
  •     8)Supervises recreational therapy interns at the request of the coordinator after completing one year of clinical experience.
  •     9)Complies with organization and departmental patient satisfaction initiatives. Routinely meets the needs and expectations of patients and families.

Education/Experience Required:

• Bachelors degree in RT from an accredited school of recreational therapy.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good interpersonal skills and communication.
• Certified by NCTRC

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to use a variety of therapeutic activities.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.