Recreational Therapist

Messiah College; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277 bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027.

CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

The Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services Department at Central State Hospital is a multi-disciplinary team consisting of creative art therapists, recreational and occupational therapists, human services care specialists, pastoral care, administrative supports, and beautician services. As a team, we provide patients quality engagement opportunities through creative and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. We seek to recognize the uniqueness of each individual in our care and promote self-awareness of their strengths. We provide an outlet for the patients to engage in meaningful interventions while also exploring their own personal interests. The Rehabilitative Department promotes resiliency, autonomy, and empowerment through a structured and supportive environment. Our goal is to encourage recovery in the hospital that can continue to grow upon return to the community.

The incumbent in this position is a Recreational Therapist whose responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Client functional evaluations using modality specific assessments and observations.
2. Providing quality recreation therapy services via groups and 1:1 interventions to adults with serious mental illness, 18 to 65 years of age.
3. Planning, facilitating, and co-facilitating therapeutic interventions that promote hope and recovery.
4. Documenting client attendance and progress according to hospital and departmental policy.
5. Serving as an active member of the Interdisciplinary treatment team and providing information regarding client responses to treatment.
6. Providing cross coverage as needed to all service areas.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Degree (graduate or undergraduate) from an accredited school of Recreation Therapy with completed internships REQUIRED.
2. Eligibility for National Therapeutic Recreation Specialist certification which will lead to CTRS status within the first year of employment REQUIRED.
3. Valid Virginia driver’s license REQUIRED.
4. Ability to develop, plan, organize and implement recreational therapy interventions that promote improvements in cognition, psychological, social, and physical health.
5. Proficient in verbal and written communication skills.
6. Ability to use Microsoft Office and other identified computer software successfully.
7. Awareness of safety and security procedures.
8. Ability to manage aggressive/assaultive clients utilizing approved TOVA techniques.
9. Knowledge of the purpose for active treatment.
10. Ability to drive/operate and escort clients by state cars, wheelchair equipped bus, and 15 passenger van.
11. Ability to complete Rehabilitation Assessments, recommend treatment goals and objectives, and report progress accordingly.
12. Ability to plan and provide leisure/recreational programming on weekends, holidays, and evenings.
13. Additional duties may include participating in special unit activities and working irregular hours when necessary.

Additional Qualifications:

1. Work/internship experience working with adults with mental illness, intellectual deficits and physical disabilities PREFERRED.
2. Experience in evaluating, establishing treatment intervention and assessing effectiveness of treatment interventions PREFERRED.