The Recreation Therapist plans, facilitates and implements group and individual recreation programs, which address physical, cognitive, social, spiritual, sensorial and affective needs of participants. The Recreation Therapist plans and delivers services in accordance with participant’s plan of care and any pertinent third party agency regulations. Also participates as active member of interdisciplinary team, completing assessments and providing input to participant care plans.

Job Duties Specific to This Position:

• Plans and coordinates a program of activities for assigned participants based upon individual and group interest, needs, and capabilities.
• Organizes and leads group and individual recreation programs according to the participant's plan of care. Maintains current knowledge of all medical contraindications to ensure participant’s well-being.
• Participates in participant outings.
• Markets and communicates all events and activities to promote awareness of the service offerings to individual participants, staff, volunteers and families. Distributes weekly and monthly newsletters, calendar and bulletin board postings. Provides information and education as needed.
• Renders all services using a Person First centered approach.
• Promotes a home-like environment by providing decorations, i.e. bulletin boards, lounge and hallway decorations to depict seasonal changes, etc.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation as required by State and Federal regulations, which includes completion of portions of the MDS, EMR/Truchart, care plans, progress notes, initial (annual, quarterly and Change of Status) assessments.
• Maintains statistical data on daily activity attendance and hours of participation.
• Monitors participant status and reports observed changes in conditions appropriately and promptly to supervision.
• Actively participates in interdisciplinary care plan meetings.
• Transports participants to and from activities.
• Reports and documents all incidents and accidents immediately and per established procedures.
• Schedules and documents individualized recreation sessions to identified participants and ensures independent leisure materials, social and stimulation needs are being met.
• Ensures participant supervision and safety during all special events, community outings, and programs.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends in therapeutic recreation service delivery by staying apprised of new resources, techniques, interventions, clinical skills, etc.
• Attends and participates in continuing education activities through in-services, seminars, and training sessions to meet established requirements.
• Participates in orientation of new Recreation Therapists.
• Advocates for recreational resources i.e. adaptive equipment, reading material, etc. for participants to maximize independence and group participation. Uses Loretto equipment at it was intended to maximize useful life. Initiates maintenance requests as required.
• Works evenings, weekends and holidays as assigned by the Director of Recreation.
• Participates in family conferences and discharge planning meetings as needed.
• Demonstrates adherence to all compliance policies and procedures. Is responsible for promoting and fostering compliance in the workplace.
• Ensures the highest quality of care by performing responsibilities according to the highest professional standards.
• Demonstrates knowledge of PACE/D&TC Emergency Preparedness Plan and can verbalize their role during an event.

Job expectations for all employees:

• Promotes and role models the mission, values, vision and strategic goals of Loretto in all interactions with staff, peers, residents/participants, family members, vendors and visitors. Treats people with dignity, professionalism and kindness.
• Demonstrates excellent internal and external customer service skills such as friendly greeting, making eye contact, listening attentively, responding in a timely manner, showing respect and empathy and acting as a role model for staff and peers.
• Demonstrates excellent work attendance, reliability and work ethics.
• Attends and actively participates in required meetings and training sessions.
• Complies with established policies, procedures, and codes of conduct at all times.
• Adheres to all health and safety requirements, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Practices and teaches safety awareness. Identifies and reports or corrects any possible safety or environmental issues.
• Understands all HIPAA and other compliance & regulatory requirements associated with their role, including completion of required internal or external training/certifications.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation.
• NCTRC Certification (CTRS) or eligibility required.
• Minimum 1 year experience in a therapeutic recreation or similar role preferred.
• Knowledge regarding working with people who have dementia.
• Current knowledge of best practices in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Knowledge of Managed Long-Term Care, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and their applicable regulations desired.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

An equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Physical Requirements

Lifting 10.00% 50 lbs.

Pushing/pulling 20.00% 50 lbs.

Walking 25.00%

Standing 30.00%

Sitting 10.00%

Climbing stairs/ladders 5.00%