RECREATION THERAPY ASSISTANT IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES MONDAY-FRIDAY AND EVERY OTHER WEEKEND :AM-:PM

Patient care responsibilities are delivered with knowledge of patient growth and development and are appropriate to the ages of the patients served.

Provides on and off unit recreational activities in accordance with the unit program schedule as determined by the Director of Rehabilitation Services.

Implements and leads programs related to leisure education, stress reduction, social skills, reality orientation, communication skills, self esteem, independent living skills and physical exercise.

Uses appropriate behavioral management techniques when interacting with patients.

Provides appropriate individual patient interventions during group activities and in the unit milieu.

Provides support and assistance to other clinical staff in group and individual therapeutic interventions.

Communicates effectively with the treatment team members regarding patient’s needs and requests and observed behaviors.

Provides daily orientation to patients to the unit environment and the scheduled program services for the day.

Participates in activity program development in conjunction with other Rehabilitation Department staff.

Participates in the development and implementation of multidisciplinary treatment plans as appropriate.

Assists in creating an aesthetically pleasing unit environment and decorating for seasonal / holiday observances following hospital safety standards.

Documents patients’ actions, behaviors, symptoms, significant verbal and non-verbal communications in a prescribed format in the patient’s medical record as determined by policy and procedure.

Follows Hospital-Wide, Behavioral Health, Department of Rehabilitation policies and procedures.

Applies principles of infection control and safety in the work environment.

Customer Service : respect, flexibility, knowledge, confidence, professionalism, pleasant attitude, patience and helpfulness.

All responses should be timely, professional, caring, and respectful in accordance with Customer Service Performance expectations

Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.

Assesses gaps in policies and procedures, and create necessary policies and procedures to fulfill these gaps.

Understands and adheres to the Medical Center’s Code of Conduct.

Familiar with the Medical Center’s Mission, Vision, and Values Statements.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

Effectively utilizes the hospital computer system as it pertains to job responsibilities and in accordance with hospital policy

Identifies problems and contributes to unit and department problem-solving processes.

Participates in unit committees and in Performance Improvement activities, as assigned.

Assists other personnel as necessary

Attends scheduled staff meetings and maintains communication with staf.

Performs other related duties as required.

BASIC COMPETENCIES

Education :

High school graduate or equivalent.

Minimum of Heart Saver Certification is required.

Experience :

1 to 2 years experience as a direct service provider in a behavioral health facility preferred.

Skills :

Good oral and written communication skills.

Good interpersonal skills.

Speaks, reads and writes English to the extent required by the position.

JOB SETTING / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

All patient care areas; contact with patients, visitors, staff.

Frequent prolonged standing / walking.

Lifts, positions, pushes, and / or transfers patients.

Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, crouching.

Mobility and manual dexterity.