Job Description - Therapeutic Recreation
Assistant/Recreational Therapy Assistant
A. General Nature of Work
- Under the clinical supervision of an appropriate
supervisor, plans and implements TR/RT programs to improve the
functioning of consumers who have a wide variety of physical,
cognitive, social, emotional, developmental or age-related needs.
- Provides TR/RT services according to appropriate
accreditation, facility and departmental standards.
- Observes and documents consumer responses to TR/RT
interventions.
- Participates in quality improvement activities in
accordance with appropriate accreditation standards and within facility
policies.
- Participates in staff meetings and projects as
assigned.
- articipates in the supervision of volunteers as
assigned.
- Performs work in accordance with the facility
standards and policies regarding risk management, safety, infection
control, etc.
B. Examples of Work Tasks
- Consults, as needed with supervisor concerning
consumer referrals; collects assessment information; works with
supervisor to complete assessments and to develop treatment plans.
- mplements 1:1 and group TR/RT activities with
assigned consumers under supervision.
- Participates in discharge planning with assigned
consumers under appropriate supervision; completes TR/RT discharge
summaries.
- Documents consumer progress in TR/RT programs through
progress notes completed according to facility standards.
- Adapts or modifies TR/RT activities to meet consumer
needs.
- Provides consumers with TR/RT resources, supplies
and equipment.
- Provides emotional support to consumers and families.
- Provides a positive, supportive atmosphere during
TR/RT sessions.
- Ensures consumer safety during TR/RT sessions;
follows health and safety policies, anticipates hazards, and takes
appropriate measures.
- Supervises volunteer involvement in TR/RT programs
as assigned.
- Participates in team meetings (i.e., treatment team,
habilitation team, etc.) as assigned.
- Communicates behavioral observations of consumers to
other staff and team members.
- Encourages consumer involvement in recreation
opportunities and provides necessary supports to facilitate involvement.
- Knows and adheres to agency's policies and
procedures regarding Health, Safety, Risk Management, Infection
Control, etc.
- Documents consumer participation according to
facility policies.
- Participates as assigned in quality improvement
projects.
- Works to promote a positive, professional image of
TR/RT within and outside the agency.
- Acquires and maintains a license with the North
Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure as a Recreational
Therapy Assistant.
- Communicates clearly and accurately the philosophy,
goals, and purpose of TR/RT.
- Attends and participates in staff meetings and
in-services as assigned.
- Develops and promotes positive working relationships
within the agency.
- Performs related duties ass assigned.
- Participates in task forces and committees as
assigned.
C. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to observe consumer behaviors and report
observations to appropriate staff.
- Ability to relate to and work with members of other
disciplines.
- Fundamental knowledge of RT/TR principles and
practices and its effects on consumer functioning.
- Basic knowledge of terminology, diagnoses, issues
and conditions related to consumer functioning.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and
in writing.
- Ability to relate in a warm, caring, and
professional manner to consumers with multiple needs.
- Ability to produce and maintain accurate records and
reports.
-
Ability to follow moderately
complex instructions delivered both in writing and orally.
- Ability to function independently, once work tasks
has been assigned.
-
Ability to gather assessment
information in accordance with appropriate guidelines/standards (i.e.,
American Therapeutic Recreation Association Standards of
Practice/Guidelines for TR Assistants; National Therapeutic Recreation
Society Standards of Practice)
-
Ability to plan and lead a
variety of TR/TR sessions.
-
Ability to observe and document
consumer progress.
-
Knowledge of activity
modification techniques, accessibility concepts and assistance
techniques that enhance successful consumer participation in TR/RT
activities.
-
Knowledge of TR/RT policies and
procedures.
D. Minimum Education and Experience
-
Completion of a two year
associate degree program in TR that includes a supervised internship.
Licensed by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure
as a Recreational Therapy Assistant.
-
Preference- Applicants who
demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills and abilities gained
through at least one year of experience performing tasks similar to
those assigned to the position.
|