Recreation Therapist (NY HELPS), Elmira Psychiatric Center, P24982

• Minimum Qualifications Either 1. a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation;
• Or 2. a bachelor's degree in Recreation, Physical Education or Adaptive Physical Education AND one year of experience in planning and administering a therapeutic recreation program* which involved developing and coordinating therapeutic recreational activities for geriatric patients / residents, individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals with psychiatric disabilities, individuals that are physically challenged, or individuals in treatment for chemical dependency;

Or 3. current credentials as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) issued by the National Council For Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), 7 Elmwood Drive, New City, NY 10956.

For further information you may contact them at (845) 639-1439 or at

Or 4. current licensure by NYS as a Creative Arts Therapist. For information about licensure, visit or call (518) 474-3817.

A therapeutic recreation program is defined as a professional service that assists people with disabilities and other limitations to have a leisure life-style that encompasses functional independence, health and well-being through treatment, education and participation.

Therapeutic recreation is practiced in clinical, community and residential treatment settings.

Duties Description As a Recreation Therapist you would plan and conduct activities for client / patient groups, working individually or as a member of a treatment team or treatment program.

You would analyze and report behavioral patterns to a team leader or other supervisor, verbally or in medical records. As a treatment team member, you would participate in team meetings, recreation / leisure assessment and evaluation.

In addition, you may be required to requisition, store and maintain equipment and supplies. The goal of each program is to bring about positive change in a client’s / patient’s mental, physical and / or social behavior.

NOTE :

In order to be eligible for appointment and to maintain employment, you cannot be listed as an excluded individual or entity on any of the Federal and / or State Medicaid and Medicare exclusion lists (or excluded from any other Federal or Federally assisted program).

If you are appointed and subsequently listed as an excluded individual or entity on any of these lists (or excluded from any other Federal or federally assisted program), you may be terminated from your employment.

If appointed, you may be required to become an enrolled Medicare provider; obtain and provide to your employer a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number issued by the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES);

and otherwise actively participate to the degree necessary to allow for your services to be billed through Medicare and Medicaid.

If you are appointed and are required to become a Medicare Provider and lose the ability to bill through Medicare and Medicaid, you may be terminated from your employment.