Recreational Therapist

Position Summary

The Recreational Therapist designs and implements a variety of activity therapies focusing on individualized needs with the specific objective of fostering effective interactions, enhance coping skills, cognitive functioning, reality orientation, and prioritizing independence in caring for self.

The Recreational Therapist's decisions and actions with patients and families are determined in an ethical manner, practicing compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and unique attributes of each person. Effectively communicate with patients/families, visitors, colleagues, physicians, leadership, and volunteers. All areas of practice and care delivery are provided to achieve and maintain top decile results and outcomes for patient experience, quality, and patient safety. The Recreational Therapist follows and adheres to ARHS policies and procedures, regulatory requirements, and standards of behavior. The LRT/CTRS practices within the requirements of the NC Recreational Therapy Licensure Act.

The Recreational Therapist demonstrates the ARHS Mission, Vision, and Values in action and approaches work in a way that reflects a bias for action, efficiency, and personal accountability. The Recreational Therapist demonstrates professional conduct, effective communication, and effective delegation of tasks. Effectively and professionally manages working relationships with coworkers, physicians, and all ARHS team members in a way that promotes a healthy work environment. Responds quickly and accurately to emergencies in the work environment and/or to changes in patient condition. Performs duties under general supervision. Always assists coworkers, patients, families, and visitors regardless of the patient assignment, so long as the assistance is in-line with their scope of practice and license.

Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Hiring compensation ranges from $19.00 per hour.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Education

• Bachelor of Arts or Science degree from an accredited institution. Master's degree preferred

Experience

• One-year prior experience in the Behavioral Health setting preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification

• Licensed by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure
• Certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
• Completion of Crisis Intervention (CPI) training required within 1 year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physician and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills
• Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within legal limits of license and certifications and hospital policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the continuum of care provided in the patient care department.
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians

Physical Demands

• Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
• Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
• Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

Working Conditions

• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies
• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
• Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
• Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
• Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day
• Frequently per shift lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour bends, squats kneels, twists turns and reaches
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
• Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
• Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work
• Infrequently per shift: may be exposed to ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

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