Mental Health Recreational Therapist

The Certified Recreational Therapist develops and facilitates structured recreational and therapeutic activities for residents admitted to NPCRS' MHRC. Working with a multidisciplinary team, the therapist tailors' programs to meet the individualized needs of each resident. The Recreational Therapist's goal is to promote physical, social, and emotional well-being through therapeutic recreation, helping residents achieve personal growth and recovery. Reports to the Program Director/Administrator.
Job Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and implement therapeutic recreational activities (e.g., group exercises, arts and crafts, games, outdoor activities) tailored to the needs of residents.
Collaborate with clinical staff to integrate recreational therapy into each resident's individualized treatment plan.
Evaluate resident participation and progress, adjusting therapeutic approaches as needed to ensure goals are met.
Maintain accurate documentation of resident assessments, progress notes, and treatment updates within the company's Electronic Health Record system (PointClick Care).
Ensure activities promote wellness, encourage social interaction, and foster a positive therapeutic environment.
Serve as an advocate for recreational therapy within the treatment team, offering insights on how recreational activities can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Adhere to NPCRS policies and procedures, ensuring all health, safety, and confidentiality standards are maintained.
Participate in resident treatment team meetings to provide feedback on client progress and make recommendations for ongoing care.
Collaborate with outside resources and community programs to provide residents with appropriate post-discharge recreational opportunities and referrals.
Participates as a team member in all program activities, reports observations, documents observations, and asks appropriate questions when clarification is necessary.
Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with all patients.
Facilitates communication between patient and provider via phone, secure message, video, letter, and document appropriately.
Support in relevant health and psychiatric teaching for patients and family. Serves as a role model for residents and peers.
Effectively communicates with the team, participates in team meetings and shift exchange sharing knowledge, information, and problem-solving ideas.
Upholds cleanliness of the facility equipment and supplies.
Requirements and Qualifications
Licenses and Certifications - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or equivalent certification.
Minimum Education - Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field.
Minimum Experience - At least one (1) year of experience working with adults in a mental health or rehabilitation setting, providing structured recreational therapy.
Knowledge of recreational therapy techniques and experience in working with individuals with severe mental health issues.
Ability to develop therapeutic programs that promote recovery and support mental health stabilization.
Meets all health and background investigation regulations required by California Title 22 and Title 17.

A Clear criminal record review and fingerprint background check
Successful completion of a Negative Drug Test
License, Certification, Registration
Recreational Therapist Certification (CTRS)
Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support Certification
Must have an active Driver's License
Must provide proof of vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $30,000 liability
*Hiring is contingent upon a full background screening in accordance with California licensing regulations; DOJ/FBI clearance, pre-employment physical and TB clearance.

Competencies
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems time efficiently; Gathers and analyzes information; Develops solutions; Uses reason.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively; Listens and gets clarification when necessary; Responds informatively to questions; Demonstrates presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and concisely; Edits work; Presents data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Arrives at appointments on time; Plans when unable to make appointments; Notifies patients when unable to arrive at scheduled time of appointment.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Able to handle frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a polite and tactful manner; Maintains composure and reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Physical Demands
Occasionally required to sit.
Occasionally required to walk.
Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
Occasionally required to talk or hear.
Occasionally required to bend, lift, or climb.
Occasionally required to lift light weights (less than 25 pounds).
Occasionally required to lift moderate weights (25-50 pounds).
Occasionally required to lift heavy weights (50 pounds or greater).
Finger dexterity required.
Hand coordination required.
Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust or focus.

Schedule: Monday - Friday