Recreational Therapist jobs in Illinois

Position Highlights:

• Position: Recreational Therapist
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Full Time
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30 pm
• Required Travel: No

A Brief Overview:
Responsible for developing a variety of therapeutic activities and recreational programs to enhance the milieu and meet the identified emotional, social, physical and recreational needs of the patient population served. Responsible for patient and family education as well as timely and accurate documentation and ongoing communication with physicians and other healthcare professionals. The successful individual will have the ability and skills in providing a therapeutic milieu for patients in the psychiatric unit. Responsible for monitoring the milieu for safety and conducts patient safety rounds if necessary.

What you will do:

• Develop a variety of therapeutic activities and recreational programs to enhance the milieu in psychiatric unit and meet the identified emotional, social, physical and recreational needs of the patient population served.
• Develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates therapeutic programs of individual, group, social, or recreational activities, which may include games, music, dances, movies, etc. in the psychiatric unit.
• Conducts small group and individualized activities for individuals unable to participate in large groups.
• Coordinates program schedules and work assignments to ensure staff coverage for all groups and recreational activities
• Continuously encourages/assists patients to create and maintain supportive therapeutic environment.
• Maintains timely and complete documentation including documentation of an individual's attendance in groups, response to activities and other pertinent observations in accordance with department policy.
• Participate as a part of a multidisciplinary treatment team in the treatment planning and discussion.
• Review patient care records to ensure documentation of an individual's progress and participation is included
• Participates in program development and Performance/Quality Improvement initiatives
• Provides coverage for planning activities in the absence of regularly assigned staff.
• Maintains appropriate records and prepares reports.
• Attends team and staff meetings, as well as other meetings as required
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested by the nurse manager or designee
• Enhances own professional growth and development.
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What you will need:

• Bachelors Degree Required
• Recognizes needs and behavior of a variety of disability including psychiatric conditions, age and ethnic groups and is able to tailor programs appropriately. Understands the normal aging process.
• experience in conducting therapeutic group's activities for persons who are mentally ill and/or developmentally disabled, or any other mental health setting.
• Good communication skills, an understand and ability to read and write English
• Good team player, sound judgment, patient-focused worth ethic
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) - National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc. (NCTRC) Preferred

Benefits:

• Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
• Various Medical, Dental, and Vision options
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Discounted Parking
• Wellness Program Savings Plan
• Health Savings Account Options
• Retirement Options with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Community Involvement Opportunities