Recreation Therapist I - Adolescent/Children Inpatient Psychiatric Services

Recreation Therapist I

Under supervision, evaluates the recreational therapy needs for assigned patients, and develops, implements, and documents treatment plans and goals to meet these needs, in an inpatient and outpatient hospital setting.

This position is within Santa Clara Valley Healthcare's Acute Psychiatric facility, with a primary role on the Adolescent/Children Unit. This position will work collaboratively with Occupational Therapy and interdisciplinary team members on the Adolescent/Children Acute Psychiatric Unit to implement individualized and group therapy sessions.

Patient Care:

• Performs relatively routine patient care with fundamental skills in clinical reasoning and problem-solving;
• Determines therapy prognosis, including predicted optimal level of improvement in leisure functioning and the amount of time needed to reach that level, and develops appropriate plans of care to meet the patients' identified goals;
• Implements leisure education programs for patients and their caregivers;
• Performs indirect patient care duties such as communication and coordination of care with the patient, family/caregiver, and other professionals, discharge planning, documentation of all elements of patient management, patient care conferences, and charging for services provided;
• Makes appropriate referrals to various community agencies for patients in need of additional services;
• Plans and implements specialized outpatient programs;
• Plans, implements, and facilitates community outings;
• Develops adaptive recreational equipment;
• Manages own caseload of patients as assigned.

Clinical Supervisory Responsibilities:

• May supervise volunteers and students.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Conducts in-service and instruction to unit staff concerning patient programs;
• Participates in fundraising events to support recreational therapy program;
• Participates in hospital-wide special events;
• Assumes selected responsibilities of other staff during temporary absences;
• May assist in the day-to-day operations of assigned service;
• Acts as a direct liaison to community agencies;
• May assist with selected aspects of the orientation and training of new service personnel.

Professional Development:

• Participates in internal and external professional and educational activities to enhance personal and professional growth;
• Participates in hospital research as appropriate;
• Assists with program development as assigned;
• Prioritizes and schedules patient treatment as assigned;
• Provides guidance to interns, assistants and Therapy Technicians.

Employment Standards:

Certification or eligibility for certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC), the national credentialing organization for therapeutic recreation and recreation therapy, or the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification to practice as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Some positions may require certification from California Children's Services as a Child Life Specialist. Possession of a valid California driver's license upon hire. Sufficient education and experience to demonstrate the possession and application of the knowledge and abilities listed below. Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities are typically acquired through at least two (2) years professional experience and two or more specialty areas relevant to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Knowledge of:

• Basic human anatomy and physiology;
• Pathologies and injuries which result in physical impairment;
• Basic principles, methods, and theory of the practice of recreation therapy;
• Regulatory practice requirements.

Ability to:

• Develop, implement and adapt treatment programs;
• Evaluate patients and interpret clinical data and make clinical judgments;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Communicate effectively with patients, staff, and other health professionals;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with others;
• Efficiently manage time and priorities;
• Demonstrate appropriate patient handling skills;
• Reach, grasp, manipulate and carry a variety of objects;
• Assist, support, lift and transfer patients.