Receration Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Recreation Therapist

Department: Therapeutic Recreation
Reports To: Director of Therapeutic Recreation
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Recreation Therapist is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and psychosocial well-being of residents in a long-term care facility. This position develops individualized and group interventions designed to enhance quality of life, maintain functional abilities, foster independence, and support resident-centered care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Assessment & Care Planning

·         Conduct comprehensive therapeutic recreation assessments upon admission and as required by facility policy.

·         Identify residents' interests, strengths, abilities, limitations, and psychosocial needs.

·         Develop individualized therapeutic recreation goals and interventions as part of the interdisciplinary care plan.

·         Participate in resident care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings.

·         Update assessments and care plans based on resident progress, changes in condition, or regulatory requirements.

Program Development & Implementation

·         Design and facilitate therapeutic recreation programs that support residents' physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being.

·         Provide individual and group interventions tailored to resident needs and abilities.

·         Implement specialized programming for residents with dementia, behavioral health diagnoses, and rehabilitation goals.

·         Coordinate leisure education, adaptive recreation, sensory stimulation, and wellness activities.

·         Encourage resident participation and engagement while respecting individual preferences and choices.

Resident Engagement & Quality of Life

·         Promote meaningful opportunities for socialization, self-expression, community involvement, and personal fulfillment.

·         Assist residents in maintaining independence and maximizing functional abilities through therapeutic recreation interventions.

·         Advocate for resident rights, dignity, and individualized choices in programming.

·         Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and resident-centered environment.

Documentation & Compliance

·         Maintain accurate and timely documentation of assessments, care plans, participation records, progress notes, and outcomes.

·         Ensure compliance with federal, state, and facility regulations related to therapeutic recreation services.

·         Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.

·         Assist with survey preparation and regulatory inspections.

Collaboration & Leadership

·         Collaborate with nursing, rehabilitation, social services, dietary, and other departments to support holistic resident care.

·         Provide education and support to staff regarding therapeutic recreation interventions and resident engagement strategies.

·         Assist in training activity staff, volunteers, and interns as appropriate.

·         Support special events, family programs, community partnerships, and facility-wide initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

·         Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Recreational Therapy, or a related field required.

·         Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred.

Experience

·         Minimum of one year of experience in therapeutic recreation, healthcare, rehabilitation, senior living, or long-term care preferred.

·         Experience working with geriatric populations, dementia care, and skilled nursing residents preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·         Knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies.

·         Understanding of aging, dementia, behavioral health, and rehabilitation services.

·         Strong interpersonal, communication, and motivational skills.

·         Ability to adapt programs to varying physical and cognitive abilities.

·         Excellent organizational and documentation skills.

·         Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Physical Requirements

·         Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility.

·         Ability to assist with activity setup and transportation of supplies and equipment.

·         Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.

·         Ability to participate actively in recreation and therapeutic programming.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

·         Resident participation and engagement rates.

·         Resident satisfaction and quality-of-life outcomes.

·         Completion and accuracy of assessments and care plans.

·         Compliance with regulatory standards.

·         Successful implementation of individualized therapeutic interventions.

·         Positive survey and quality assurance outcomes.

Core Competencies

·         Resident-Centered Care

·         Therapeutic Recreation Planning

·         Assessment & Documentation

·         Dementia Care Programming

·         Interdisciplinary Collaboration

·         Communication & Relationship Building

·         Creativity & Program Development

·         Quality Improvement

·         Regulatory Compliance

Working Conditions

·         Work is performed in resident care areas, activity spaces, outdoor environments, and community settings.

·         May require occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays to support resident programming and special events.

Mission: To enhance each resident's quality of life by providing meaningful therapeutic recreation opportunities that promote wellness, independence, dignity, engagement, and overall well-being within a compassionate long-term care environment.