Recreational Therapist - PHP Child and Adolescent

Recreation Therapist

Work where every moment matters.

Every day, over 40,000 Hartford HealthCare colleagues come to work with one thing in common: pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut's most comprehensive healthcare network.

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 122-bed, general acute care community hospital located in Torrington, Connecticut, that serves as a regional health care resource for the 100,000 residents of Litchfield County and Northwest Connecticut. CHH offers personalized attention from an expert team of caregivers and physicians that utilize advanced technology and clinical partnerships in a convenient, safe and comfortable patient environment.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Unit Manager the Recreation Therapist will work collaboratively with the IP Psychiatry Patient Care Team to provide therapeutic recreation assessments, group and individual recreation programs and activities that contribute to the goals and objectives of the patients care plan. The Recreation Therapist will research, propose and implement recovery based therapeutic recreation activities for adults & children with behavioral health and substance use needs. The RT builds and maintains a sense of community, providing an affirming and safe atmosphere for the participants, consistently reevaluating patients' needs, and developing group and individual programming to meet those unique needs.

Job Responsibilities

1. Plans and implements daily group and individual recovery based recreation therapy interventions & activities that are safe, recovery based, patient centered, rooted in DEIB, and contribute to patients meeting the goals/objective of their Care Plans. Coordinates and supervises recreational activities run by line staff.
2. Completes recreation therapy assessments that meet Unit/DPH/CMS guidelines with patients who will participate in recreation therapy programing.
3. Documents group and individual recreational services provided to patients to meet regulatory requirements of licensing and third party agencies as well as internal policies.
4. In collaboration with the Unit Manager, develops and monitors weekday, weekend and holiday recreation therapy activities. Provides training & coaching to Patient Care Technicians, Social Workers, and Interns who are involved in conducting or participating in recreation therapy activities. Ensures that all Care Team members are aware of clients' recreation therapy goals.
5. Participates in daily Clinical Patient Care Planning meetings. Develops and documents recreation therapy specific goals and objectives into the patients care plan. Adjusts and modifies goals and objectives as indicated.
6. Actively participates in quality and safety initiatives to support the unit as assigned by the Unit Manager.
7. Support Social Work and Case Management roles when assigned staff is not available.
8. Provides recreation therapy support across all behavioral health departments when deployed by the Administrative Director or Unit Manager to a secondary unit assignment due to patient surges or staff resource needs.
9. Trains and supervises recreation therapy interns under the direction of the Nurse Manager.
10. Under the direction of the Nurse manager, participates in formal/informal liaison activities with BHN Recreation Therapy colleagues. Shares opportunities for improvement with the Associate Medical Director and Nurse Manager.
11. Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation and Leisure Studies or related program
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in Recreation Therapy or Recreation and Leisure Studies or related program and NCTRC (National Certified Therapeutic Recreation Certification) is preferred
• Two or more years of child and/or adolescent experience
• NCTRC (National Certified Therapeutic Recreation Certification) is preferred

As a Hartford HealthCare entity, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital provides eligible employees with an extensive benefits package consisting of:

• Medical and dental benefits
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off with accrual starting on the date of hire, including seven paid holidays
• Additional voluntary benefits as well as employee discount programs
• Stress free commute; free parking and no shuttles
• Staff kitchen
• Individual offices for full-time clinicians

With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.