Experiential Therapist I

Summary:

Develops, plans, implements, facilitates, directs and evaluates experiential therapeutic programming based on patients/residents needs. Documents within designated program areas. Coordinates, evaluates, and mentors others within the team. Is able to maintain basic staffing needs and daily functioning of the department in the leaders absence. Has knowledge, skills and abilities in a wide variety of expressive and recreational media. The Experiential Therapist II has a thorough working knowledge of psychosocial functioning of patient/resident groups, as well as application of expressive and recreational activities within a psychiatric setting. These include, but are not limited to, adventure-based and environmental activities, sports, dance, group initiatives, arts/crafts, music, outdoor activities, art media, psychodrama, horticulture, ropes and challenge course.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Conduct self in a professional manner.

• Develop supportive, collaborative relationships with all disciplines to promote a positive, team-oriented approach to care.
• Provide leadership and role-modeling, incorporating group dynamics into the process.
• Communicate with individuals on a professional level.
• Attempt to resolve individual issues with peers in a positive, calm manner, with a focus on solution; demonstrate a courteous, respectful demeanor in alignment with the Rogers Behavior Agreements.
• Identify concerns and provide input for resolution.
• Participates in Mentorship Program.

Participate in the Rogers Operating System (ROS).

• Develop an understanding of the ROS process.
• Apply the ROS model to department functions.
• Identify ROS concerns throughout Rogers Behavioral Health.
• Educate and inform Rogers Behavioral Health employees to the Experiential Therapy ROS plans.
• Aid in the development and participate in ROS monitoring services. Takes leadership role in metric and data collection.
• Aide in the continued updating and creation of new standard work for the department.

Assist in the hiring, training, and education of new employees under the direction of leadership.

• Attend applicant interviews, as requested by the leader.
• Providing input on candidates as requested by the leader.
• Assist in educating staff in theory and philosophy of Experiential Therapy.
• Trains staff, as requested, on patient/resident care programming.

Demonstrate an understanding of Joint Commission and other regulatory agency compliance guidelines.

• Involve self in the learning and application of standards relevant to the Experiential Therapy department and assist in helping newer staff to do this.
• Attend informational meetings to increase awareness of regulations.

Programming.

• Conduct experiential therapy, as scheduled, and proactively pick up additional groups when there is a call in in the ET department.
• Evaluate, plan and coordinate programming to meet patients/residents needs.
• Maintain the supplies/equipment and spaces of the Experiential Therapy department.
• Be flexible with work assignments, including schedule changes and program additions.
• Be able to complete job responsibilities with minimal supervision, and complete the activities assigned by the manager.
• Have a good working knowledge of a variety of experiential therapies.
• Helping to coordinate specialty programming such as Pet Therapy; horticultural, waterfront, cross country skiing, etc.
• Demonstrate a willingness to perform any/all duties within the capacity of ones job and/or professional credentials.

Documentation/Treatment.

• Complete a treatment plan and evaluation according to Experiential Therapy policy.
• Complete therapeutic documentation according to Rogers Policy.
• Assists with auditing documentation done by the team.

Patient/Resident knowledge.

• Demonstrate knowledge of intervention strategies and utilize redirection when necessary to maintain patients/residents safety.
• Monitor patient/resident behavior and safely intervene appropriately, using de-escalation techniques and least-restrictive measures possible.
• Establish a therapeutic rapport with patient/resident groups, while maintaining appropriate, professional relationships.
• Demonstrate knowledge of psychosocial functioning of each patient/resident group. Know the common diagnostic categories and their relationship to patients/residents behavior within the setting. Demonstrate knowledge of treatment procedures/models (behavioral, recovery, etc.) and application within a therapy setting.

Student interns.

• Performs duties pertaining to student recruitment, marketing Rogers Behavioral Healths internship program.
• Provide student intern supervision in conjunction with the Experiential Therapy manager and the university.
• The Experiential Therapist II is required to develop and review policies and procedures for the student intern program with the manager of Experiential Therapy.

Staff requirements.

• Comply with the Infection Control, and Employee Health programs.
• Follow the Hospital, Human Resources and Experiential Therapy policies and procedures.
• Attend all mandatory in-services and other in-services relevant to the position. Be responsible for all educational requirements and related obligations pertaining to the license of the program/unit license/regulatory requirements governing the program(s).
• Complete all required orientation competencies and training with the Experiential Therapy department and Hospital-wide.
• Take a leadership role in Experiential Therapy department and program staff meetings, as required.
• Meet with the manager of Experiential Therapy monthly regarding clinical guidance, training, program evaluation and problem reporting.
• Be available to serve as the leader of Experiential Therapy in the absence of the supervisor/manager.
• Conduct program-specific programming off Rogers Behavioral Health grounds, following procedures for using Rogers owned vehicles, for designated patient populations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Job Description:

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Verbal and hearing ability required to interact with patients/residents and employees. Numerical ability required to maintain records and operate a computer.
• Must be able to read and communicate through written, verbal and auditory skills and abilities.
• Position will involve exposure to aggressive/combative patients.
• Be physically/mentally able to perform job duties as verified by a physical exam by a licensed physician, according to post-employment physical.

Education/Training Requirements:

• BS/BA degree is required, preferably in recreation, art, music, dance, psychodrama, or other expressive therapies with certification/registration through the appropriate credentialing board desired.
• A Masters Degree or a certification/license in one of the following required: R-DMT; ATR; CTRS; MTBC; SAC-IT; TIC; Yoga, LPC or other behavioral health related certificate.
• Minimum of 1-2 years in group facilitation in a behavioral health setting required. Mentorship experience with ET staff preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin drivers license. Applicable to Oconomowoc and Regional Sites only.
• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification or American Red Cross Professional Rescue is required within thirty (30) days of the date of hire, with annual re-certification.
• Formal training in management of the aggressive patient is required within sixty (60) days of the date of hire, with annual re-certification, including self-defense training.
• Ropes and Challenge Course training by Rogers Behavioral Health, with yearly renewal (where applicable to the position).
• Employees at the Child/Adolescent Day Treatment programs licensed under HFS 40 are required to have at least one year of educational or work experience and a licensure or certification when serving children with mental health disorders.
• Applicable to Experiential Therapy pool and Experiential Therapy fixed FTE staff dedicated to a residential cost center: Compliance in Residential Care Centers (RCC) and Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) employee training requirements.

Art Credential - Cert, Art Therapist Registered - Cert, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Spec - Cert, Dance Therapist - Cert, Music Therapist - Cert

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