Job Description - Therapeutic Recreation Assistant/Recreational Therapy Assistant

A.   General Nature of Work

1. 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.
2. Provides TR/RT services according to appropriate accreditation, facility and departmental standards.
3. Observes and documents consumer responses to TR/RT interventions.
4. Participates in quality improvement activities in accordance with appropriate accreditation standards and within facility policies.
5. Participates in staff meetings and projects as assigned.
6. articipates in the supervision of volunteers as assigned.
7. Performs work in accordance with the facility standards and policies regarding risk management, safety, infection control, etc.

B. Examples of Work Tasks

1. Consults, as needed with supervisor concerning consumer referrals; collects assessment information; works with supervisor to complete assessments and to develop treatment plans.
2. mplements 1:1 and group TR/RT activities with assigned consumers under supervision.
3. Participates in discharge planning with assigned consumers under appropriate supervision; completes TR/RT discharge summaries.
4. Documents consumer progress in TR/RT programs through progress notes completed according to facility standards.
5. Adapts or modifies TR/RT activities to meet consumer needs.
6. Provides consumers with TR/RT resources, supplies and equipment.
7. Provides emotional support to consumers and families.
8. Provides a positive, supportive atmosphere during TR/RT sessions.
9.  Ensures consumer safety during TR/RT sessions; follows health and safety policies, anticipates hazards, and takes appropriate measures.
10. Supervises volunteer involvement in TR/RT programs as assigned.
11. Participates in team meetings (i.e., treatment team, habilitation team, etc.) as assigned.
12. Communicates behavioral observations of consumers to other staff and team members.
13. Encourages consumer involvement in recreation opportunities and provides necessary supports to facilitate involvement.
14. Knows and adheres to agency's policies and procedures regarding Health, Safety, Risk Management, Infection Control, etc.
15. Documents consumer participation according to facility policies.
16. Participates as assigned in quality improvement projects.
17. Works to promote a positive, professional image of TR/RT within and outside the agency.
18. Acquires and maintains a license with the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure as a Recreational Therapy Assistant.
19. Communicates clearly and accurately the philosophy, goals, and purpose of TR/RT.
20. Attends and participates in staff meetings and in-services as assigned.
21. Develops and promotes positive working relationships within the agency.
22. Performs related duties ass assigned.
23. Participates in task forces and committees as assigned.

C.   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to observe consumer behaviors and report observations to appropriate staff.
2. Ability to relate to and work with members of other disciplines.
3. Fundamental knowledge of RT/TR principles and practices and its effects on consumer functioning.
4. Basic knowledge of terminology, diagnoses, issues and conditions related to consumer functioning.
5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
6. Ability to relate in a warm, caring, and professional manner to consumers with multiple needs.
7. Ability to produce and maintain accurate records and reports.
8. Ability to follow moderately complex instructions delivered both in writing and orally.
9. Ability to function independently, once work tasks has been assigned.
10. 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)
11. Ability to plan and lead a variety of TR/TR sessions.
12. Ability to observe and document consumer progress.
13. Knowledge of activity modification techniques, accessibility concepts and assistance techniques that enhance successful consumer participation in TR/RT activities.
14. Knowledge of TR/RT policies and procedures.

1. 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.
2. 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.