Recreational Therapist

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500140 Psychiatry SMH Activities Ther

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URC 207 H

Compensation Range:

$22.91 - $30.93

Responsibilities:

The Recreational Therapist in the Child Acute Inpatient Services is a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and provides direct clinical services to patients 18 years of age and younger. The Recreational Therapist provides evidence-based programming following Recreation or Music Therapy standardizations. These approaches are strength-based and patient-centered for the purpose of crisis intervention, skill-building, and stabilization. The Recreational Therapist facilitates therapeutic groups or individual sessions, which are customized to meet the needs of the patient, while ensuring a safe space to explore creative ways of managing symptoms, while building healthy coping skills, and increasing socialization through music, art, writing, journaling, mindfulness, relaxation, physical outlets, and education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plans, organizes, facilitates daily therapeutic groups and activities, focusing on individual needs/strengths of the patients. Utilizes evidence-based, therapeutic modalities in art, music, leisure education, creative writing and journaling, while incorporating skills from various therapies, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive therapy.
• Observes, assesses and manages patient’s behaviors and interactions with peers and staff, while facilitating groups or 1:1’interventions. Provides therapeutic interventions as needed. Utilizes CPI methods when managing challenging behaviors.
• Conducts and documents initial interview/assessment of newly admitted patients to determine readiness/appropriateness for participation in groups or individual sessions. Documents each patient’s weekly treatment goals, interventions, daily progress in groups/individual sessions, and level of participation.
• Communicates effectively by attending daily morning/evening report. Attends treatment planning, as scheduling permits. Attends monthly team meetings, and participates in Unit Council as needed. Communicates effectively with staff regarding any behavioral issues observed in groups/1:1’s.  May also participate in sub-committees or be a designated Unit-Champion.
• Responsible for maintaining equipment & supplies. Inventories assigned unit group/activity supplies and initiates ordering of supplies/equipment through approved vendors while staying within budget. May also need to shop locally when supplies are not available through vendors. Ensures the safety & cleanliness of all materials before using with patients.
• Provides observation opportunities/guidance for interns, shadowing students, and prospective hires. Provide some of the orientation for new hires. May have to cover another unit during staffing shortages or extended leaves of absences. Keeps up to date with all MyPath mandatory trainings.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy or in Recreation with a concentration in Recreational Therapy required
• Master’s degree preferred
• Some experience in working with individuals or groups in a clinical setting with basic concepts of psychology and pathology preferred.
• Completed relevant clinical education in comparable setting required
• or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Some experience in working with individuals or groups in a clinical setting with basic concepts of psychology and pathology preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Registry Credentials (NCTRC) or MT-BC. Undergraduate affiliate training and prior professional experience in a psychiatric setting preferred.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.