Recreation Therapist

County of Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement reciprocity

Advancement vacation accrual rate

Job summary

The County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness is looking for a full-time Recreational Therapist to oversee recreation programs for psychiatric patients at the Psychiatric Health Facility in Santa Barbara. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills.

This role requires the ability to work independently and as part of a team, with flexibility to adjust to changing situations.

Benefits include retirement reciprocity and other incentives.

Qualifications

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or in recreation and leisure studies with a specialization in recreation therapy.
• Eligibility for certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification.

Responsibilities

• Plans and supervises daily activity programs for psychiatric patients.
• Participates in development of patient's initial assessment and treatment plans.
• Coordinates recreational therapy orientation with nursing staff.

Skills

Independent and team work

Flexibility and adaptability

Strong work ethic and integrity

Time management skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Self-motivated and initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or recreation and leisure studies

Job description

The County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness is accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time position for a Recreational Therapist in Santa Barbara for the Psychiatric Health Facility.

Benefits: For more information on County benefits, please visit here. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

About the Department

Founded in 1962, it is the mission of the Department of Behavioral Wellness to promote the prevention of and recovery from mental illness and addiction among individuals, families and communities, by providing effective leadership and delivering state-of-the-art, culturally competent services. The Department provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to 10,000 clients with mental illness and substance use disorders annually through its professional staff of over 400, in addition to its many contracted Community-Based Organization (CBO) providers. The Department’s decisions and service delivery are guided by the following values:

• Quality services for persons of all ages with mental illness and/or substance abuse
• Integrity in individual and organizational actions
• Dignity, respect, and compassion for all persons
• Active involvement of clients and families in treatment, recovery, and policy development
• Diversity throughout our organization and cultural competency in service delivery
• A system of care and recovery that is clearly defined and promotes recovery and resiliency
• Emphasis on prevention and treatment
• Teamwork among department employees in an atmosphere that is respectful and creative
• Continuous quality improvement in service delivery and administration
• Wellness modeled for our clients at all levels, i.e., staff who regularly arrive at the workplace healthy, energetic and resilient
• Safety for everyone

The Position

Under general supervision, plans, organizes, and supervises medically approved recreation programs for psychiatric patients; monitors and evaluates patient progress; and performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Recreational Therapists oversee the treatment and program direction for patients assigned for recreational therapy and differ from Occupational Therapists, who oversee programs designed to provide practice in prevocational, vocational, sensorimotor, educational, social, and daily activity skills.

The Ideal Candidate

• Work well independently and with a team
• Be flexible and able to adjust to change
• Demonstrate strong work ethic and integrity
• Possess time management skills
• Demonstrate great written and verbal communication skills
• Be self-motivated and take initiative

Examples of Duties

1. Plans, organizes, and supervises daily activity programs for psychiatric patients; observes patient behavior for significant signs of health or illness to report to staff; leads individual and group recreation therapy sessions; provides patient safety and welfare during therapy sessions; and instructs and supervises patient use of equipment.
2. As a member of treatment team, participates in development of patient\'s initial assessment, progress, treatment plans, and goals; selects appropriate activities for diagnostic and treatment needs; assists patients in establishing and accomplishing treatment goals; and writes reports describing patients\' initial assessment, behavioral changes, progress, or regression.
3. Coordinates recreational therapy orientation and programs with nursing staff; and recommends and oversees purchase of recreational therapy equipment.

Employment Standards

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or in recreation and leisure studies with a specialization in recreation therapy and eligibility for certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification.

Certificates

Appointees must obtain certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification within one year of appointment. Within six months of appointment, appointees must obtain a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate.

Additional Qualifications

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required at the time of appointment. The ability to work weekends may be required.

Knowledge

Principles, practices, and professional standards of recreational therapy; current trends in therapeutic recreation; methods of psychological behavior assessment and evaluation; basic computer knowledge; and program administration.

Ability

Assess, plan, organize, and supervise a departmental recreational therapy program for clients; assess and evaluate patient treatment progress or regression; lead individual and group sessions; assist patients in establishing and attaining realistic treatment goals; write effectively; speak clearly and concisely; keep accurate and comprehensive records; develop effective working relationships with staff, family members, and persons with varying degrees of mental illness; select equipment and oversee purchases and use; identify, develop, and utilize community facilities, support agencies, and programs; maintain confidentiality; and foster trust and cooperation.

Working Conditions

Some incumbents in this job classification work in a locked facility with patients who can be a danger to themselves and others. Incumbents will receive training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and must be able to restrain patients in crisis and other situations.