Recreation Therapist

For the Kids in Action outpatient/community program, the Recreation Therapist facilitates therapeutic recreation group programming. He/she is responsible for participant evaluations, planning and implementing recreation therapy services for the outpatient/community population, coordinating volunteers, and creating community partners.

Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy from a National Council Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) accredited institution. (Required)

Required Licenses and Certifications
Current/eligible for District of Columbia recreation therapist license. (Required)
National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). (Preferred)
CPR Certification (Required)

Job Functions
Essential job duties:

• Utilize outcome measurement tools as per established guidelines.

• Effectively and independently provide recreation therapy services according to professional standards and established regulations set forth by RSC, the Department of Health and The Joint Commission which focus on patient safety, function, pain tolerance/level, goals, etc.

• Responsible for supporting/assisting with the support of the Recreation Therapy clinical education program. Oversee students as assigned.

• Assist with the development and/or revision of departmental policies and procedures.

• As appropriate, effectively handle administrative/shared responsibilities.

• Make suggestions regarding purchase of new equipment and supplies, when necessary.

• Maintain equipment and supplies in a clean and orderly condition.

• Ensure that he/she completes required or necessary orientation, annual training and in-services. Also ensure all competencies are maintained.

• Ensure timely and cooperative inter- and intra-departmental relationships and communications throughout the hospital and the system and with individuals/community members external to the hospital and system.

• Assist with the monitoring and evaluation process for important aspects of care for the department via performance improvement programs

• Facilitate and support department compliance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations and standards, including those governing professional practice. Assumes responsibility for meeting requirements specified by The Joint Commission /DOH and other relevant regulatory agencies and organizations.

• Maintain equipment and supplies in a clean and orderly condition.

• Maintain skills, licensure, regulatory requirements and credentials needed to perform assigned duties.

• For the inpatient population, the Recreation Therapist will:

• Perform and document pertinent evaluation results, including patient and/or family interview, observation, objective measurements, systems review and interpretation of findings, within timeframes consistent with department policy.

• Discuss evaluation results and outcomes with patient/caregiver and appropriate healthcare team members and respond to questions appropriately.

• Refer patient to appropriate practitioner if the diagnosis is outside scope of expertise.

• Set measurable and realistic short and/or long-term goals based on patient's medical status, anticipated therapeutic outcome(s), discharge plans and patient/family input.

• Involve patient/family and/or other caregiver(s), including expectations and limitations, in goal development and plan of care to include discharge planning.

• Periodically re-evaluate and modify treatment plan and goals based on patient's medical status, response to treatment, anticipated therapeutic outcome(s), developmental need and/or discharge plans.

• Instruct and encourage patient, family members and/or caregivers in therapeutic activities and family education.

• Demonstrate familiarity with all policies and procedures of the Hospital and the Inpatient program.

• Assess and identify discharge planning needs with consideration of patient's medical, psychological, behavioral and socioeconomic status as well as anticipated therapeutic outcome(s).

• Follow established documentation policies and guidelines regarding initial evaluations, treatment/progress notes, teaching records, and discharge summaries as set forth by the department.

• Plan, attend, and/or lead community reintegration outings as appropriate.

• Work with all ages of children in both individual and group activities promoting a more constructive and therapeutic use of free time, play, and leisure.

• Demonstrate productivity at the discretion of the Program Manager, averaging 62.5%.

• Provide in-services for department/unit staff as appropriate.

• For the outpatient population, the Recreation Therapist will:

• Perform and document pertinent intake results, including participant and/or family interview, observation, objective measurements, systems review and interpretation of findings, within timeframes consistent with department policy.

• Will communicate program expectations and outcomes when applicable to families and community team.

• Involve patient/family and/or other caregiver(s) with soliciting feedback for future events including expectations and limitations.

• Periodically re-evaluate and modify group activity based on developmental need.

• Refer the participant to another community program if they are not appropriate for Kids in Action.

• Instruct and encourage the participant, family members and/or caregiver(s) in therapeutic activities and family education related to community health and wellness and leisure.

• Demonstrate familiarity with all policies and procedures of the Hospital and the outpatient program.

• Design monthly calendars and quarterly newsletters. Update system website of calendar of events.

• Plan and implement activities/events that meet the participants' abilities and address their goals. Include evening and weekend programming.

• Provide educational sessions about Kids in Action to community partners/referral sources.

Other job duties:

• May perform other duties in addition to those outlined in this job description.