Recreation Therapist

Van-Duyn-Center-For-Rehabilitation-; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Syracuse, NY seeks a compassionate Recreation Therapist to promote physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and psychosocial well-being through meaningful therapeutic recreation programs.

Responsibilities include assessments on admission, developing individualized goals, and facilitating programs for residents with dementia or rehabilitation needs. Strong collaboration with the interdisciplinary team is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or related field required.
• CTRS certification preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience in therapeutic recreation, healthcare, rehabilitation, senior living, or long-term care preferred.
• Experience with geriatric populations, dementia care, and skilled nursing residents preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive therapeutic recreation assessments upon admission and as required by facility policy.
• Identify residents' interests, strengths, abilities, limitations, and psychosocial needs.
• Develop individualized therapeutic recreation goals and interventions as part of the interdisciplinary care plan.
• Participate in resident care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Update assessments and care plans based on resident progress, changes in condition, or regulatory requirements.
• Design and facilitate therapeutic recreation programs that support residents' physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being.
• Provide individual and group interventions tailored to resident needs and abilities.
• Implement specialized programming for residents with dementia, behavioral health diagnoses, and rehabilitation goals.
• Coordinate leisure education, adaptive recreation, sensory stimulation, and wellness activities.

Skills

Geriatric care

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Assessment & documentation

Resident-centered care

Creative program development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

CTRS certification preferred

Job description

Recreation Therapist

Job Summary:

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Recreation Therapist to join our team at Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Syracuse, New York. As a Recreation Therapist, you will play a vital role in promoting the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and psychosocial well-being of our residents through engaging and meaningful therapeutic recreation programs. If you are passionate about making a difference in people's lives and are looking for a rewarding career in healthcare, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive therapeutic recreation assessments upon admission and as required by facility policy.

• Identify residents' interests, strengths, abilities, limitations, and psychosocial needs.

• Develop individualized therapeutic recreation goals and interventions as part of the interdisciplinary care plan.

• Participate in resident care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings.

• Update assessments and care plans based on resident progress, changes in condition, or regulatory requirements.

• Design and facilitate therapeutic recreation programs that support residents' physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being.

• Provide individual and group interventions tailored to resident needs and abilities.

• Implement specialized programming for residents with dementia, behavioral health diagnoses, and rehabilitation goals.

• Coordinate leisure education, adaptive recreation, sensory stimulation, and wellness activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Recreational Therapy, or a related field required.

• Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred.

• Minimum of one year of experience in therapeutic recreation, healthcare, rehabilitation, senior living, or long-term care preferred.

• Experience working with geriatric populations, dementia care, and skilled nursing residents preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility.

• Ability to assist with activity setup and transportation of supplies and equipment.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.

• Ability to participate actively in recreation and therapeutic programming.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Resident participation and engagement rates.

• Resident satisfaction and quality-of-life outcomes.

• Completion and accuracy of assessments and care plans.

• Compliance with regulatory standards.

• Successful implementation of individualized therapeutic interventions.

• Positive survey and quality assurance outcomes

Core Competencies:

• Resident-Centered Care

• Therapeutic Recreation Planning

• Assessment & Documentation

• Dementia Care Programming

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Communication & Relationship Building

• Creativity & Program Development

• Quality Improvement

• Regulatory Compliance

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in resident care areas, activity spaces, outdoor environments, and community settings.

• May require occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays to support resident programming and special events.

Mission:

To enhance each resident's quality of life by providing meaningful therapeutic recreation opportunities that promote wellness, independence, dignity, engagement, and overall well-being within a compassionate long-term care environment.