THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST

State of Nevada; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vacation

Sick Leave

Holidays

PERS Retirement

Deferred Compensation

No State Income Tax

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Longevity Pay

Job summary

The Nevada Department of Corrections seeks a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at Southern Desert Correctional Center. Incumbents perform assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic services to help inmates improve mental and physical health functioning, planning and conducting a wide variety of activities.

Responsibilities include preparing treatment plans, coordinating sessions, modifying equipment, documenting progress, and ensuring health and safety procedures; the role emphasizes

Qualifications

• Three or more years of applicable experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Knowledge of recreational therapy concepts and group dynamics; psychology and related health fields.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews, assess recreational interests and capabilities.
• Review medical records and coordinate with staff on conditions.
• Prepare treatment plans and document prescribed activities.
• Plan, organize, schedule, coordinate, and conduct therapeutic activities.
• Modify, adapt, and fabricate equipment for special needs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Assessment skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

• No Nevada state income tax.

Job Summary

The Nevada Department of Corrections is seeking to fill a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at Southern Desert Correctional Center. Incumbents perform initial and periodic assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic services to assist inmates to improve their mental and physical health functioning. Incumbents plan, organize, schedule, coordinate and conduct a wide variety of therapeutic activities such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong and strength training as well as board games, cards and puzzles; and modify, adapt and fabricate equipment to accommodate.

Therapeutic Recreation Specialists perform assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic services to assist individuals in improving their mental and physical health and/or social functioning.

Essential Qualifications

Three or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties and graduation from high school or equivalent education.

Job Duties

• Conduct interviews, assess recreational interests, and evaluate physical, mental, and emotional limitations.
• Review medical records and confer with staff on physical disabilities, injuries, or other medical conditions.
• Prepare treatment plans and document prescribed therapeutic activities within applied constraints.
• Plan, organize, schedule, coordinate, and conduct therapeutic activities.
• Modify, adapt, and fabricate equipment to accommodate special needs.
• Schedule and conduct individual and group therapy sessions.
• Monitor individuals during activities, evaluate progress towards treatment goals, and adjust activities.
• Document special problems, incidents, achievements, and developments.
• Evaluate and revise treatment goals and objectives, modalities, and frequency.
• Assess and document progress, record notes, and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Aid in developing recreation and leisure activity resources.
• Prepare and monitor the recreation budget.
• Purchase supplies and materials and repair or arrange for repair of equipment.
• Provide training in treatment modalities.
• Demonstrate and participate in the maintenance, repair, set‑up, and storage of recreation equipment.
• Assist individuals in pursing leisure activities.
• Adhere to health and safety procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Applicable federal and State laws, regulations, and agency policies and procedures.
• Theories and practices of recreational therapy and leisure activities; human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and visual motor and psychomotor functioning; developmental and learning disabilities; characteristics and symptoms of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and related disorders; psychosocial and behavioral treatment models and group dynamics; basic math skills.

Skill In

• Interpersonal and communication, both verbal and written.
• Use and operation of office and job‑related equipment and software.

Ability To

• Assess mental, emotional, and physical capabilities and limitations; participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop and revise treatment plans, goals, and objectives; review diagnostic findings and conceptualize treatment strategies; plan, organize, schedule, and conduct appropriate therapeutic recreation activities; adapt, create, and design recreational activities and equipment; move and set up athletic equipment and recreation supplies for planned activities.
• Coordinate services with other therapeutic disciplines; provide therapeutic recreation therapy in potentially hostile environments where clients and/or patients may be uncooperative or combative; counsel, train, and motivate clients and/or patients.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, patients, and others involved in the treatment program; apply teaching methods and techniques; administer first aid in emergency situations; operate a van, bus, or automobile to transport clients and/or patients as required.

Benefits Include

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits

may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).

• State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The Following Are Legal Holidays

• January 1.............................................. New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
• Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday
• Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day
• June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day
• July 4.................................................... Independence Day
• First Monday in September.............. Labor Day
• Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day
• November 11........................................ Veterans' Day
• Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day
• Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day
• December 25........................................ Christmas Day
• When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255