Recreation Therapist, Per Diem

RWJBarnabas Health; Communipaw (NJ); On-site; USD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health in Jersey City is seeking a Recreation Therapist for the Mental Health Unit on the Open Unit. The role involves leading expressive therapy groups, conducting assessments, and coordinating a multidisciplinary treatment plan for inpatients.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree, 2 years in expressive therapies with psychiatric patients, certified recreational therapist, and active BLS. Per diem schedule, day shift, located at 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Minimum 2 years of expressive therapies experience and work with psychiatric population.
• Certification in recreational therapy is required.
• Current BLS certification and orientation programs completed.

Responsibilities

• Participate in annual competency trainings and work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Direct a therapeutic recreational/social program on the inpatient unit according to goals and procedures.
• Provide individual assessments, deliver direct services, and monitor the recreational component.
• Lead various recreational and expressive therapy groups and facilitate groups professionally.
• Develop treatment strategies aligned with long- and short-term goals and perform regular collateral contacts.

Skills

Experience in expressive therapies

Psychiatric population experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Recreational therapy certification

BLS certification

Job description

Position Details

• Job Title: Recreation Therapist, Per Diem
• Location: Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
• Department: Mental Health Unit - Open Unit
• Shift: Day
• Employment Status: Per Diem
• Pay: $31.70 per hour

Job Overview

Provides therapeutic group activities to patients based on clients needs identified by the treatment team; completes initial assessments, engages client in case management, completes all required documentation, maintains contact with collateral sources as required by case management needs of client.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2 years experience in the field of human services with focus on expressive therapies
• 2 years experience with psychiatric population
• Certification in recognized recreational therapy field is required
• Certification or successful completion of mandatory mandatory Mandate must be done within three months of start date
• Current BLS and successful completion of facility and department specific orientation programs is required

Essential Functions

• Recreation Therapist will participate in annual facility and job specific competency trainings
• Works within a multidisciplinary team, directs a therapeutic recreational/social program according to established goals, policies and procedures
• Provides individual assessments on recreational/social needs, delivers direct services, monitors and evaluates the recreational/social component on the inpatient unit
• Leads a variety of recreational/social groups
• Appropriately uses supervision to problem solve around clinical issues
• Develops treatment strategy and plan that is consistent with behaviorally specific long‑and‑short range goals
• Facilitates all groups in a professional manner
• Facilitates expressive therapy groups
• Identifies quality assurance indicators and works toward achieving benchmarks
• Identifies when treatment goals are met and when benefit of treatment has been maximized
• Maintains regular collateral contact with agencies and family members as appropriate
• Provides appropriate referrals to other facilities to ensure continuum of care
• Provides thorough intake assessments
• Provides weekly case management sessions
• Takes an active role in all team meetings
• Volunteers for group coverage when necessary
• Works well with all members of the treatment team

RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer