Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation services. Utilizes recreation to restore, maintain, or improve cognitive, physical, emotional, spiritual and social function of patients and their families. Reports to the Manager of Child Life and Patient Experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Selects appropriate assessments and uses systematic assessment procedures to address patient needs.
• Develops assessment-based clinically-appropriate treatment plans including measurable goals and outcomes.
• Implements recreation interventions and techniques with the goal of achieving established outcomes which maintain or improve physical, emotional, and social health of patients.
• Evaluates and documents patient’s progress and intervention effectiveness in achieving established goals.
• When maximum improvement in recreation therapy goals is achieved or additional treatment is needed, develops a recreation therapy discharge plan in collaboration with the patient, family, physician and interdisciplinary team.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in planning and implementing recreational activities in accordance with patients’ needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 Core Competencies:

• Follows all organizational policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates the ability to plan, assess, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation interventions.
• Demonstrates the ability to document individualized therapeutic recreation treatment plan, behavioral observations, and interventions in the patient record. Maintains confidentiality and integrity of data and information in accordance with policies of CHKD and regulatory agencies.
• Provides comprehensive therapeutic recreation services for patients and family members that meet emotional, physical, cognitive, social/cultural, and communication needs.
• Demonstrates the ability to provide therapeutic techniques to reduce anxiety, improve pain management, and increase relaxation.
• Demonstrates the ability to represent and communicate therapeutic recreation practice and theory pertaining to children, youth, and adolescents to others.
• Creates a safe, nurturing environment where patients and families feel comfortable with creative expression and communication.
• Provides collaborative services with the interdisciplinary team.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) must be obtained within one year of hire. 
• Additional certification or advanced degree in child life (CCLS), yoga, dance, music, or art preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field, as required for eligibility for certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
• Minimum of one year experience working in a healthcare setting.
• Mental health experience preferred.
• Increased Security Clearance may be required: FBI fingerprinting, criminal background check, and Child Protective Services registry search.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Normal patient care environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature and the like. Frequent exposure to communicable disease and moderately adverse working condition due to performance of certain patient care activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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