POSITION PURPOSE

Coordinates a program of recreation therapy services in order to assist patients in recovering from, or adjusting to illness or disability, and in dealing with specific social problems. Confers with physicians and other treatment team members in planning, developing and implementing therapeutic recreational treatment programs. Observes and studies patients' reactions to recreation therapy activities for signs of progress or regression. Budgets program funds and are responsible for inventory, storage and replacement of equipment and supplies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Confers with physicians and other clinical personnel to plan, and implement individually tailored programs in Recreation Therapy to provide patients with exercise, social participation and group interaction.

Assesses patients' functional status and confers with physicians and other treatment team members in establishing individually tailored patient therapy goals consistent with diagnoses.

Schedules recreation therapy activities consistent with treatment goals.

Provides group and individual therapy to assist patients in developing interpersonal relationships, (re-socializing, relieving anxiety and developing confidence to participate in social activities) leisure education and adapted sports.

Budgets program funds and are responsible for inventory, storage and replacement of equipment. In doing so, contacts vendors, evaluates products and recommends acquisition of needed supplies and equipment.

Instructs patients in recreation therapy activities, participates in events and observes physical, mental and social progress of patients.

Documents patients' reaction to various recreation therapy activities and contributes information and progress reports for use in treatment team meetings.

Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature and attending related seminars, conferences, and the like.

Provides community re-integrative activities that teach or re-teach hobbies, sports and game activities that allow the patient to use, in a practical way, what has been learned in all other therapies.

May be responsible to perform case management duties, which may include discharge planning, referral source acknowledgement, insurance company and family contacts, as well as other duties to coordinate the case.

May train and supervise student interns.

Supervises Recreation Therapy aides.

Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.

Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, and employees, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Discusses patient and hospital inf6rmation only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places

Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.

Provides quality patient care by considering the age specific, developmental and cultural needs through competent clinical practice. Demonstrates unit/area competencies.

Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of St. Joseph Mercy Health System.

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

Education:

Requires Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation.

Maintains current certification in Recreation Therapy from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Experience:

Six to twelve months related experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of current theory and practice in therapeutic and rehabilitative recreation.

Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients and families when providing therapy and with physicians and other treatment team members when gathering and exchanging patient progress information.

Analytical skills necessary to design therapeutic recreational activities to meet desired objective, observe and note significant patient behaviors, evaluate effectiveness of program and administer approved budget.

Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 50%of work time when observing and instructing patients, and recording notes and observations.

This document is intended to describe the generalized duties and responsibilities, the specialized job functions, and the essential requirements of this job.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements or reflect any accommodations made under the American’s with Disability Act, the Michigan Handicapper’s Act, or SJMHS’s Return to Work Program