THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST

The Nevada Department of Corrections is seeking to fill a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at Southern Desert Correctional Center. Incumbents perform initial and periodic assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic services to assist inmates to improve their mental and physical health functioning. Incumbents plan, organize, schedule, coordinate and conduct a wide variety of therapeutic activities such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong and strength training as well as board games, cards and puzzles; and modify, adapt and fabricate equipment to accommodate.

Therapeutic Recreation Specialists perform assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic services to assist individuals in improving their mental and physical health and/or social functioning.

Three or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties and graduation from high school or equivalent education.

1. Conduct interviews, assess recreational interests, and evaluate physical, mental, and emotional limitations.
2. Review medical records and confer with staff on physical disabilities, injuries, or other medical conditions.
3. Prepare treatment plans and document prescribed therapeutic activities within applied constraints.
4. Plan, organize, schedule, coordinate, and conduct therapeutic activities.
5. Modify, adapt, and fabricate equipment to accommodate special needs.
6. Schedule and conduct individual and group therapy sessions.
7. Monitor individuals during activities, evaluate progress towards treatment goals, and adjust activities.
8. Document special problems, incidents, achievements, and developments.
9. Evaluate and revise treatment goals and objectives, modalities, and frequency.
10. Assess and document progress, record notes, and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
11. Aid in developing recreation and leisure activity resources.
12. Prepare and monitor the recreation budget.
13. Purchase supplies and materials and repair or arrange for repair of equipment.
14. Provide training in treatment modalities.
15. Demonstrate and participate in the maintenance, repair, set-up, and storage of recreation equipment.
16. Assist individuals in pursing leisure activities.
17. Adhere to health and safety procedures.
18. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal and State laws, regulations, and agency policies and procedures.
• Theories and practices of recreational therapy and leisure activities; human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and visual motor and psychomotor functioning; developmental and learning disabilities; characteristics and symptoms of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and related disorders; psychosocial and behavioral treatment models and group dynamics; basic math skills.

Skill in:

• Interpersonal and communication, both verbal and written.
• Use and operation of office and job-related equipment and software.

Ability to:

• Assess mental, emotional, and physical capabilities and limitations; participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop and revise treatment plans, goals, and objectives; review diagnostic findings and conceptualize treatment strategies; plan, organize, schedule, and conduct appropriate therapeutic recreation activities; adapt, create, and design recreational activities and equipment; move and set up athletic equipment and recreation supplies for planned activities.
• Coordinate services with other therapeutic disciplines; provide therapeutic recreation therapy in potentially hostile environments where clients and/or patients may be uncooperative or combative; counsel, train, and motivate clients and/or patients.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, patients, and others involved in the treatment program; apply teaching methods and techniques; administer first aid in emergency situations; operate a van, bus, or automobile to transport clients and/or patients as required.