Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Delivers advanced recreational therapy services, through evaluation of patient needs, goal determination, and development of treatment plans according to the principles and practices of recreational therapy. Collaborates with leadership in identifying gaps and opportunities for professional development and performance activities. Assists leadership in the identification and resolution of complex clinical and operational issues. Assists with interviewing, orienting, training, and supervising team members.

• Performs advanced recreational therapy services to patients in accordance with generally accepted 

standards, National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification scope of practice and code of ethics, and departmental and/or organizational policies and procedures.

• Performs patient assessments and develops and implements individualized treatment plans incorporating leisure activities and techniques designed to meet their specific physical, cognitive, psychological, and leisure needs. Develops and maintains long- and short-term treatment objectives and re-evaluates and modifies treatment programs as necessary.

• Records patient evaluations, re-evaluations and care provided in the medical record, in accordance with departmental documentation standards.

• Informs patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members of evaluation results and plan for treatment and refers for further evaluation.

• Plans and provides therapy education and counseling to individuals. 

• Participates in and ensures effective student training and supervision based on departmental needs. 

• Ensures and facilitates interdisciplinary, safe, patient-centered care and delivers excellent customer service.

• Collaborates with leadership in identifying gaps and opportunities for program development, professional development and advancement activities, and performance improvement. Supports the implementation of strategic organizational initiatives and goals.

• Assists leadership in the identification and resolution of complex clinical and operational issues to assure high quality care, and efficient departmental operations. Facilitates a positive culture using core values, open communication, and collaborative judgment. 

• Assists in the selection, care, and maintenance of department diagnostic and treatment equipment, materials, and supplies and participates in decisions regarding the purchase of equipment. 

• Identifies, leads, and promotes professional development and advancement activities such as learning opportunities or areas of improvement. Provides mentorship and training to clinical team members.

• Assists leadership with interviewing, orienting, training and supervising rehabilitation services team members. Contributes to performance evaluations. 

• Supports an open and goal-oriented work environment with established clear and concise work procedures and productivity standards. 

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree.

Experience: 4 years of experience as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist.

Licensure/Certification 

o Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

o Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to access, review, and integrate information from various sources to develop a treatment plan. 

• Strong verbal, written, and non-verbal communication skills, including the ability to instruct others. 

• Interpersonal skills to enable the therapist to establish and maintain rapport with the patient as part of the therapeutic relationship. 

• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse healthcare team. 

• Ability to manage time and set priorities according to the job's demands. 

• Ability to conceptualize and problem-solve in the management of the patient. 

• Ability to break down functional tasks to achieve patient-centered goals. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and patients. 

• Ability and willingness to adapt hours of availability to variable and changing needs of the organization. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality with patients and team members. 

• Ability to effectively use various pieces of medical and therapeutic equipment.