Recreation Therapist - Adult Behavioral Health

Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems seeks a Recreation Therapist to evaluate, plan and implement treatment for in-patient populations with various rehabilitative needs. You will provide therapeutic recreation services, participate in leisure education and community reintegration, and work with an interdisciplinary team to tailor programs.

Documentation of services is required to support patient care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Therapy, Early Childhood Education and/or Child Life.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, plan and implement treatment for assigned in-patient populations.
• Provide clinical services including therapy, recreation participation, leisure education, and counseling.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and document services.
• Maintain routine documentation and schedule management.

Skills

Customer service

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Documentation

Time management

Reporting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Therapy

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Child Life

Job description

NCRTC Certification Preferred.

The Recreation Therapist evaluates, plans, and implements treatment for assigned in-patient populations with limited abilities and a variety of rehabilitative diagnoses.

The Recreation Therapist provides clinical services in the areas including but not limited to therapy, recreation participation, leisure education, leisure counseling, and community reintegration and associated skills.

The Recreation Therapist collaborates with the interdisciplinary team regarding programming appropriate for patients. This position documents services provided to patients.

The Recreation Therapist performs routine work duties to support practice of therapeutic recreation in this setting.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire

Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and/or Certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC) or eligible for certification within 6 months of VCUHS date of hire as a Recreational Therapist.

Valid Virginia Driver’s License and driving record with no major infractions (only applies to RTs driving the Rehab Van).

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Continued Employment

Current Child Life Specialist/Recreation Therapist Certification.

CPR Certification may be required depending on area of practice.

Current Virginia Driver’s License and ongoing checks of driving record with no major infractions (only applies to RTs that drive Rehab Van).

Experience (Required)

• Relevant Child Life or Recreational Therapist internship and six months of experience in an acute care setting or as applicable to area of practice.

Experience (Preferred)

• Experience in a hospital setting and in a similar specialty/practice area.
• Previous experience with community reintegration.

Education / Training (Required)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Therapy, Early Childhood Education and/or Child Life.

Education / Training (Preferred)

• Fieldwork in a similar specialty/practice area.

Independent Actions Required

• Evaluation and treatment of patients with routine diagnoses.
• Setting schedule and managing time.
• Reporting in patient conferences.
• Goal setting for routine diagnoses.
• Completion of routine documentation.
• Interaction with the interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent customer service.
• Development of community reintegration program.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if applicable)

Therapist provides direction and guidance for Activities Therapist and COTA staff, supervision for fieldwork students and volunteers.

Additional Position Requirements

• Cross-coverage to all three treatment teams (as it applies to specialty/practice area).
• Saturday and holiday coverage on a rotating basis as applicable.
• Evenings for community reintegration activities 1-2 times per week (as it applies to specialty/practice area).

Age Specific Groups Served

As appropriate based on unit assignment.

Physical Requirements (Includes use of assistance devices as appropriate)

• Physical – Lifting 50-100 lbs.
• Activities: Frequent bending, walking (distance), climbing (steps, ladder, other), reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive).
• Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, reasoning, problem solving, hearing, speak clearly, write legibly, reading, logical thinking.
• Emotional: Fast pace environment, steady pace, able to handle multiple priorities, frequent and intense customer interactions, noisy environment, able to adapt to frequent change.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran