Recreational Therapy Aide

New Mexico Department of Health; Las Vegas (NM); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Department of Health seeks an on-unit Recreation Specialist to provide REC classes/activities for patients in the Forensic Treatment Unit (FTU). You will participate in treatment team meetings and help develop, review, and update treatment plans, including completing initial assessments.

Ideal candidates have experience with communicating with diverse clients and coordinating programs in a hospital setting, and are comfortable working with mentally ill patients.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess and maintain a valid NM Driver's License.
• Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Provide on unit Recreational (REC) classes/activities to FTU patients.
• Be actively involved in treatment team meetings and develop/update treatment plans.
• Complete initial review assessments.
• Assist in updating and reviewing treatment plans.

Skills

Verbal communication

Non-verbal communication

Program coordination

Treatment-team experience

Mental health clients experience

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Why does the job exist?

Incumbent will be responsible for providing on unit Recreational (REC) classes/activities to patients assigned to the Forensic Treatment Unit (FTU).

How does it get done?

Providing classes/activities to help patients learn and practice the skills and attitudes required to more fully integrate them within the community. Additional responsibilities include being actively involved in treatment team meetings and developing, reviewing, updating treatment plans and completing initial review assessments.

Ideal Candidate

• Experience with verbal and non-verbal communication;
• Experience working with coordinating programs;
• Experience working with treatment teams and hospital setting;
• Experience working with clients, residents, and patients that are mentally ill.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid NM Driver's License.

Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.

• SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITIONS--This position ls designated as safely sensitive. Employment Is subject to pre-employment and random testing. In accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules, and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Employment ls subject to nationwide criminal background checks and is conditional pending results.
• CRIMINAL RECORDS BACKGROUND CHECK-Must successfully complete post offer pre-employment criminal records background check. Employment is conditional pending the results of criminal records background checks. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Working Conditions

This position will perform work in a hospital and office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Exposure to mentally and behaviorally challenged residents who may exhibit unpredictable and sometimes violent behaviors in volatile situations required. Effective 01/01/2015, New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute became a 100% Tobacco Free/E-cigarette Free Campus.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.