Recreational Therapist

Recreational Therapist - Saturday & Sunday Per Diem

We value our employees We offer long-term employment opportunities with job stability, including supporting and encouraging career growth advancement. 

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Program Director, provides recreational therapy and activities to Auerbach Geriatric Psychiatric Unit (AGPU) patients according to departmental, professional and regulatory standards of care.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts initial assessment to evaluate functional and social ability, identify major interests and set realistic recreation therapy treatment goals.
• Develops and implements appropriate recreation therapy program and monitors treatment progress.
• Demonstrates proficiency in facilitating all therapeutic programs and modalities in group and/or 1:1 setting including exercises, leisure, sensory, creative, recreational and social activities.
• Determine progress achieved, update goals, and develops and implements a therapeutic Plan of Care with ongoing recommendations based on changes in patient’s condition. Presents and coordinates the Plan of Care with the Interdisciplinary Team. Keeps the Team apprised of changes in the patient’s condition.
• Completes documentation in the medical record accurately and in a timely manner.
• Provides recreational education to patients and family members or caregiver according to recreation therapy standards.
• Maintains competency according to departmental, organizational and professional standards.
• Complies with safety policies and procedures, identifying and immediately reporting any potential or actual unsafe acts or conditions to the AGPU leadership team. Takes necessary measures to ensure a safe environment for oneself, co-workers, contractors, patients, visitors and others.
• Consistently meets or exceeds AGPU targets for productivity and patient satisfaction
• Continually seeks better ways for delivering services and communicating with patients.
• Demonstrates respect for and promotes patient rights including dignity, self-determination, access to care, confidentiality and independence.
• Effectively collaborates with staff peers and contractors to meet AGPU goals and further success.
• Complies with all policy and procedures of AGPU.
• Demonstrates proficiency in delivering age-specific care for individuals over the age of 60

QUALIFICATIONS:Degree and diplomas: Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Therapy or related field (Occupational Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance Therapy or Social Work).

Certificates, Licenses: One of the following is strongly preferred: Recreation Therapist Certified (RTC), National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Licensed Occupational Therapist, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified through Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) as ATR-BC, Board Certified/Registered in Drama Therapy (RDT, RDT-P, RDT-BC), Registered as a Music Therapist or Board Certified (MT-BC) in Music Therapy, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

Required certificates: verification of completion of CPR (BLS) and first aid training. Valid California driver’s license with good driving record. TB screening and successful completion of a health examination by a hospital-designated nurse practitioner or physician is required for employment. MAB De-escalation Training and Certification is required within 3 months of hire.

Experience: Minimum of one year experience in facilitating therapeutic activities and recreational programs for individuals with mental health conditions or the elderly population within the past five years. Prefer applicant with full-time experience in patient activities program in an acute psychiatric setting within the last 3 years.

Skills/Aptitudes: Knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate therapeutic groups for individuals with mental health disorders. Ability to provide care for elderly. Ability to work independently and within an Interdisciplinary Team. Excellent communication skills. Good organizational and supervisory skills. Ability to handle complex interpersonal situations.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Interaction with others: Excellent interpersonal interactions that result in team building, community involvement and participant empowerment.
• Time/Deadline/Shift/Overtime requirements: Exhibits the ability to complete duties within an agreed upon time frame and to adjust personal schedule if required.
• Flexibility requirements: Adapts appropriately to change of priorities and workload.
• Pace requirements: Maintains a responsive participant activity schedule and a consistent level of productivity.
• Communication skills required: Demonstrates sound verbal and written communication skills to convey information effectively.
• Emotional stability requirements: Maintains a positive attitude and balance in relationships with others in complex interpersonal situations. Ability to maintain calm in challenging situations.
• Attention to detail requirements: Incorporates an understanding of detailed requirements in work activities. Ability to collect and analyze program data.

About Los Angeles Jewish Health:

The evolution of our name from Los Angeles Jewish Home to Los Angeles Jewish Health reflects our commitment to providing a broad spectrum of best-in-class senior healthcare services while staying true to our mission - delivering excellence in senior care for all, rooted in Jewish values. With more than 100 years of trusted care for seniors, we have evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of each individual. As the largest single-source senior housing provider in Los Angeles, our San Fernando Valley and Playa Vista campuses are home to more than 1,000 women and men. We serve more than 4,000 seniors through our comprehensive healthcare programs and provide independent living options for those who simply want the reassurance that help is there if they need it. From adult day care activities to residential living to short-term or long-term care, we meet you where you are in life to provide the right personalized senior experience for you.

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