Recreation Therapist - HOURLY (CK Post ATC)

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports; Brentwood (NY); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) invites applications for an hourly Recreation Therapist. The role develops and delivers recreation therapy services to individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions, working on an as-needed basis with no guaranteed schedule.

You will assess participants, provide group and individual activities, document progress, arrange transportation, maintain equipment, and support treatment plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Or Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Physical Education or Adaptive Physical Education AND one year of experience in planning and administering a therapeutic recreation program, involving development of activities for diverse populations.
• Or CTRS certification issued by NCTRC.
• Or NYS licensure as a Creative Arts Therapist.
• A therapeutic recreation program is defined as a professional service that helps people have a leisure lifestyle enabling functional independence and well‑being.

Responsibilities

• Provide a variety of recreation services to individuals and groups, modifying activities per function level and abilities.
• Review and evaluate program effectiveness; recommend changes or specialized activities.
• Attend treatment plan reviews and provide input on participant involvement in recreation and environment.
• Maintain records and documentation per program standards.
• Arrange transportation to meet facility and activity needs.
• Maintain supplies and equipment; coordinate maintenance with contractors.
• Participate in development, implementation, and evaluation of recreation therapy policies and procedures.
• Provide supportive counseling and crisis intervention as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Therapeutic Recreation

Recreation Planning

Crisis Intervention

Transportation Arrangements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Physical Education or Adaptive Physical Education

CTRS certification (NCTRC)

NYS Creative Arts Therapist licensure

Job description

All Hourly positions with the NYS Office of Addiction Services & Supports (OASAS) are utilized on an “as needed” basis, and as such there is no guarantee of work hours or a set schedule. Any/all questions should be directed to [e-mail].

Description

The Recreation Therapist (Hourly) will be responsible for independently developing, implementing, and delivering recreation therapy services to individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide a variety of recreation services to individuals and groups, and modify activities consistent with the function level, physical ability, and/or rehabilitative and clinical needs of individuals.
• Review and evaluate program effectiveness and recommending program changes or specialized activities as needed.
• Attend and participate in treatment plan review sessions providing input as relates to the program participants participation in recreational activities and general participation in the environment.
• Maintain individuals’ records and documentation in accordance with program standards and requirements.
• Arrange for and provide transportation to meet the needs of the facility and recreational activities.
• Maintain recreational supplies and equipment to include researching the purchase of new equipment and acting as point person with contractors and suppliers in the maintenance of equipment.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of recreation therapy policies and procedures.
• Provide supportive counseling and crisis intervention as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

NOTE: The ATC uses a computerized patient record system.

OASAS Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) are Tobacco Free Facilities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Either a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Or a bachelor's degree in Recreation, Physical Education or Adaptive Physical Education AND one year of experience in planning and administering a therapeutic recreation program* which involved developing and coordinating therapeutic recreational activities for geriatric patients/residents, individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals with psychiatric disabilities, individuals that are physically challenged, or individuals in treatment for chemical dependency.
• Or current credentials as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) issued by the National Council For Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), 7 Elmwood Drive, New City, NY 10956. For further information you may contact them at [phone] or at www.NCTRC.org
• Or current licensure by NYS as a Creative Arts Therapist. For information about licensure, visit www.op.nysed.gov or call [phone].
• A therapeutic recreation program is defined as a professional service that assists people with disabilities and other limitations to have a leisure life-style that encompasses functional independence, health and well-being through treatment, education and participation. Therapeutic recreation is practiced in clinical, community and residential treatment settings.

NOTE: Candidate(s) must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Failure to maintain Medicaid/Medicare eligibility will result in the termination of employment.

Background Investigation Requirements

• Prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.
• Investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC) that includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees.
• Screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees may be required to pay any necessary fees. Additionally, prospective employees whose names are indicated on the SCR may be barred from appointment.

Additional Comments

OASAS recognizes the value that different people, perspectives and cultures bring to the agency. We strive to create an inclusive culture that uplifts and supports our staff, fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace. Individuals with lived substance use and/or gambling experience are encouraged to apply.

New York State OASAS is an equal opportunity employer and provides opportunity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, national original, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, ability, or any other protected class. OASAS encourages people with disabilities to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail].

The mission of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is to provide, support, and oversee a data-driven continuum of addiction services delivered with equity, dignity, compassion, and respect. OASAS and the Division of Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) are committed to establishing environments of safety and non-violence in keeping with the trauma informed Sanctuary Model. The standards and duties for each are to be performed in support of Sanctuary Model commitments to non-violence, emotional intelligence, democracy, open communication, social responsibility, social learning, and growth & change.

OASAS Addiction Treatment Centers are Tobacco Free Facilities.