RECREATIONAL THERAPIST 2

Arizona Department of Health Services; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 21,507 - 26,286; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable medical and dental insurance

Paid vacation and sick time

Wellness program

Job summary

The Arizona Department of Health Services is seeking a Recreational Therapist 2 to provide direct therapy services and evaluate patient needs, contributing to rehabilitation at the Arizona State Hospital. This role includes planning therapy sessions, documenting progress, and collaborating with healthcare professionals.

Eligible candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree and certification as a Recreational Therapist. The position also offers a $5,000 hiring incentive and comprehensive benefits including medical insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Certification as a Recreational Therapist or eligibility to take the certification exam.
• Valid level one fingerprint clearance card or application for one.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct recreational therapy services and evaluate patient needs.
• Document evaluation results and maintain clinical records.
• Consult with other caregivers and maintain equipment.

Skills

Principles of recreational therapy

Therapeutic effects of exercise

Communication skills

Patient assessment

Motivational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Certification as a Recreational Therapist

Tools

Database for patient records

Job description

Recreational Therapist 2

Department of Health Services The Arizona Department of Health Services promotes and protects the health of Arizona’s children and adults. Our mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and wellness of individuals and communities in Arizona. We strive to set the standard for personal and community health through direct care, science, public policy, and leadership. ADHS promotes alternative work schedules, flexible hours. We offer positions that fit any stage in your career, from entry to senior level, and a robust benefit package, including the ADHS Student Loan Assistance Pilot Program.

Job Location

Arizona State Hospital, 501 N. 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Posting Details

Salary: $23.8975
Grade: 17
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Summary

This position is eligible for a $5,000 hiring incentive. The Recreational Therapist 2 works under general supervision of a higher level therapist or program manager, exercising discretion and judgment within the guidelines of the profession and the work unit. Responsibilities include providing direct recreational therapy services, evaluating patient needs and rehabilitative potential, structuring and implementing individual and group treatment plans, maintaining clinical records, and collaborating with physicians, other disciplines, and higher level therapists to meet neurophysiological and psychosocial needs.

Job Duties

• Planning, organizing, and conducting therapeutic recreation treatment services on and off grounds; individual and group therapy; includes escorting patients to and from activities, driving electric vehicles and vans.
• Documenting evaluation results, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries in the patient’s health record.
• Screening and evaluating patients for therapeutic recreation services.
• Reporting on patient progress in interdisciplinary treatment planning and review conferences.
• Consulting with other caregivers including community agencies as indicated; submitting monthly productivity reports and other reports as requested.
• Maintaining space, supplies, and equipment in a clean, safe, and orderly manner and participating in departmental performance improvement efforts.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Principles, practices, and techniques of recreational therapy.
• Therapeutic effects of exercise and methods to accomplish therapeutic goals through recreational programs.
• Scope of recreational therapy and its relationship to other health care professions.
• Modification techniques used to adapt activities to individual needs.
• Performance Management (PM), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and Lean methodologies.
• Applying recreational therapy techniques and explaining them to staff, patients, and caregivers.
• Motivating patient interest to maximize activities as per treatment plans.
• Assessing patient needs, developing treatment plans and goals.
• Plan, evaluate, and carry out treatment programs.
• Communicating in oral and written form on patient progress toward goals and objectives.
• Interpreting and applying hospital rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Establishing positive therapeutic relationships with patients.
• Implementing and supervising patient work activities.
• Developing effective patient treatment modalities.
• Performing work at alternate locations and traveling when necessary.
• Certifying the ability to drive a 12‑passenger van.
• Supporting a diverse multi‑cultural workforce and promoting equal opportunity at all levels of public employment.

Selective Preferences

Preference will be given to candidates with healthcare experience and/or certification as a lifeguard.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Certification as a Recreational Therapist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC) or eligibility to take the certification exam with the goal of becoming a Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) within 6 months after hire, or a specific health‑related field credential.
• Valid level one fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to A.R.S. 41‑1758.07 or application for one within seven working days of hire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR and NVCI certification.
• Driver’s license.

Benefits

• Affordable medical and dental insurance plans.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Wellness program and plans.
• Life insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Defined retirement plan.
• Infant at Work program.
• Credit union membership.
• Transit subsidy.
• ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program.

Retirement

The State will make monthly contributions to the Arizona State Retirement System equal to the employee’s contribution, creating a 50/50 split. New State employees have a 27‑week wait period for contributions to begin.

Equal Opportunity

Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542‑1085. All newly hired employees will be subject to E‑Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.