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.
#Upstate123
