Recreational Therapist - LNMTC

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina State Government is seeking a Recreational Therapist (NS) to ensure high-quality, ethically compliant therapy within long-term care and psychiatric settings. The role emphasizes assessments, treatment planning, and evidence-based interventions to enhance residents’ quality of life.

Qualified applicants will be licensed by the NC Board and able to document outcomes, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and supervise interns and staff as part of a dedicated activities

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice recreational therapy by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure.
• Experience applying Recreational Therapy theories to individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness.
• Ability to supervise interns and staff and communicate with interdisciplinary teams and families.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify residents' psychosocial, cognitive, emotional, physical, and leisure needs.
• Provide care plan recommendations reflecting residents' needs and preferences.
• Implement evidence-based, person-centered Recreational Therapy interventions.
• Document participation, response to treatment, progress toward goals, and outcomes timely and accurately.

Skills

Anatomy & physiology

Recreational Therapy

Co-occurring disorders

Assessment & planning

Interdisciplinary communication

Job description

Job Classification Title

Recreational Therapist (NS)

Grade

MH07

About Us

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services.

Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.

Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!

Description of Work

The primary purpose of the Recreational Therapist is to ensure the clinical, ethical, administrative, and regulatory integrity of the practice of Recreational Therapy. To this end, the Recreational Therapist (a) conducts comprehensive, age-appropriate, and population-specific assessments to identify residents’ psychosocial, cognitive, emotional, physical, and leisure functioning needs within the long-term care and psychiatric setting; (b) provides care plan recommendations that reflect residents’ individually assessed needs and preferences for Recreational Therapy and leisure activities; (c) implements evidence-based and person-centered Recreational Therapy interventions and leisure services designed to enhance quality of life, promote psychosocial well-being, support emotional regulation, encourage social engagement, and maximize functional abilities; and (d) accurately documents residents' participation, response to treatment interventions, progress toward established goals, and overall therapeutic outcomes in a timely and professional manner in accordance with facility policies, clinical standards, and applicable regulatory guidelines. This position is supervised by the Director of Activities, who maintains a National Certification and licensure through the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $41,407 to $62,111

• Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, movement mechanics, lifecycle growth and development, psychological functioning, pathology, and cognitive/motor learning as they relate to health and human functioning.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying Recreational Therapy theories, principles, techniques, and methods to support individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness, with a focus on rehabilitation, remediation, and independence.
• Experience working with co-occurring disorders and understanding their impact on Recreational Therapy services and treatment approaches.
• Ability to administer assessments, evaluate client functioning, develop treatment plans, monitor progress, maintain accurate records, and recommend appropriate services and supports in accordance with professional standards.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, including presenting evaluative reports to interdisciplinary teams and families, articulating Recreational Therapy goals and strategies, using adaptive/assistive devices, and training or supervising interns and staff.

Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center (LNMTC), located in Wilson, NC, is a state-operated certified Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). With a staff of about 520, LNMTC provides support to approximately 200 residents with complex medical needs and/or co-existing neuro-cognitive disorders.

Supplemental Contact Information

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

Positions in the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal record background checks. Also, the use of tobacco products of any kind including vapor products are prohibited from our campuses. All employees are required to adhere to the facility's Vaccination Policy.

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
• Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Applicants will be communicated via email only for updates on the status of their application. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Licensed to practice recreational therapy by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.