Recreational Therapist

Every Childs Hope; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization as a Recreational Therapist, where you will plan and direct therapeutic recreation for residents. You'll engage in various activities like sports and arts, assist with developing coping skills, and maintain a supportive environment. Ideal candidates will have a degree in therapeutic recreation and a passion for helping youth with mental health challenges.

Qualifications

• Education in therapeutic recreation or related field required.
• 1-2 years experience in a related field preferred.
• Certification in Recreational Therapy and Lifeguard Certification necessary.

Responsibilities

• Plans and organizes therapeutic recreation programming.
• Directs activities for residents to develop prosocial skills.
• Maintains pool operations and supervises staff.

Skills

Analytical

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Teamwork

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Summary Plans, organizes, and directs therapeutic recreation programming for residents by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Directs and organizes a variety of activities/techniques including sports, games, arts and crafts, dance and movement, music, special events, and community integration to assist residents in developing prosocial skills and relationships, to build healthy leisure outlets for coping, and to develop confidence needed to participate in peer group activities.

Regulates content of program in accordance with residents' therapeutic goals, capabilities, needs/interests and safety.

Interviews new residents by completing recreation and leisure interest survey, child sponsorship form, and a spiritual history and practice (HOPE) survey.

Instructs residents in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, concentration, and other activities, to reduce stress and tension.

Is an ECH Representative for CHAMPS organization – attending monthly meetings. Participates in CHAMPS program events with residents and residential program staff.

Provides physical education classes to youth attending the ECH on-campus school during the afternoon hours, between 12:30—2:00pm.

Assists youth in reducing depression, stress, and anxiety to reduce the effects of their mental health challenges.

Maintains a current lifeguard certification, oversees the pool, equipment, signage, permits, and contractors; prepares for opening and closing of the pool.

Plans community integration trips and accompanies residents on these outings to increase leisure interests and resources for the development of healthy coping skills. Prepares reports for case managers and other members of treatment team, reflecting residents' reactions and evidence of progress or regression.

Trains youth care specialists in techniques of recreation therapy if not performed by the Training Dept.

Provides units with activities and recreational opportunities that staff can implement in the absence of the Recreational Therapist.

Prepares and submits requisition for needed supplies.

Responsible for being trauma aware, sensitive, and responsive to youth, families and colleagues through the completion of new hire and annual trauma informed education and training.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises summer staff (typically 3) in the Residential Treatment. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

#INDHP

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Analytical - Designs workflows and procedures.

Design - Generates creative solutions; Demonstrates attention to detail.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.

Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Demonstrates group presentation skills.

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.

Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.

Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.

Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Improves processes, products and services.

Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Supports organization's goals and values.

Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education And/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or related field required along with one to two years related experience and/or training. Certification preferred.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with l0's and l00's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office software, Internet software (including email), and successful regular use of this software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Certification in Recreational Therapy preferred.

Lifeguard Certification required.

Other Skills And Abilities

Experience and/or training in working with children who have mental health diagnoses.

Other Qualifications

Valid Driver's License and insurable by Agency insurance company.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions for long periods of time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

#INDHP

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Other

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

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