Recreational Specialists are utilized in AltaPointe’s Acute Hospital Settings. They plan and develop activities, plans special events, provide daily planned activities and assess the consumers interest, skills and recovery while participating in recreational activities.

Essential Functions

• Assesses the consumer’s interests, skill levels, barriers to recovery and recreation participation
• Utilizes assessment data to design appropriate/applicable therapeutic recreation activities
• Plans and develops activities according to the consumers rehabilitation needs
• Ensures the implementation of planned activities on a daily basis
• Provides ongoing monitoring and interaction with consumers
• Teaches consumers the necessary skills to transition to a less restrictive setting
• Plans special facility events, such as talent shows, seasonal festivities, etc.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and knows how to deescalate or resolve the situation
• Applies seclusion and restraint per AltaPointe Policy & Procedure, as required
• Effectively collaborates with the treatment team members and outside sources in the delivery of services
• Adheres to professional code of ethics
• Assists with the recreation therapy services planning, development, and implementation.
• Provides Recreational Aides with training/consultation as needed
• Seeks clinical supervision and consultation as needed
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement
• Actively works to enhance skills.
• Documents in a timely fashion per AltaPointe Policy
• Documents appropriate, complete, and comprehensive educational and activity assessments and summaries of progress in basic living skills
• Documents in a clear and concise manner types of consumer problems, treatment goals addressed, and service
• Treats consumers with care, dignity and compassion
• Respects consumer’s privacy and confidentiality
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others
• Assists consumers and visitors as needed
• Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others
• Is sensitive to the consumer’s needs, expectations, and individual differences
• Is gentle and calm to consumers and families
• Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities
• Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required
• Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner
• Follows AltaPointe Policies & Procedures
• Attends appropriate in-service trainings and workshops
• Maintains current certification, if applicable, and attends required workshops and in-services

Physical Requirements

• There is frequent standing, sitting, and walking which are in bursts of 5 to 10 minutes. However, there are times when this can be extended to pacing with the consumer (time could be undetermined), and at times sitting and standing can be extended with the employee having the ability to change positions as permitted by the observance and behavior of the consumer at the time.
• There is occasional forward bending from the hips while kneeling to reach to the side.
• There is an occasional need to be able to assume a full squat/lunge from a standing position.
• There is an occasional need to maintain back extension while being on stomach with one’s own body weight on hips and legs. This position is maintained for several minutes.
• Occasionally be able to put one’s own body weight on one knee and one elbow on the same side of one’s body.
• Occasionally be able to kneel and reach to same side toward the floor.
• Lift up to 10 pounds from the floor to various levels, including from the floor to overhead occasionally during shift.
• Have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds to assist in Activities of Daily Living, as required. Be able to lift up to 50 pounds from floor to waist.
• Strong grasp is needed to use keys to open doors throughout facility and to maintain constant contact with a consumer during a restraint procedure or with other hold techniques.
• Pushing/Pulling force up to 25 pounds occasionally during shift.
• There are some times that require the employee to be able to ambulate as quickly as possible to assist co-workers with a consumer in a restraint procedure (Example: jog/run up to 0.1 mi.).
• At times therapy may be inside or outside the facility; therefore, some activities will dictate physical requirements for playing or games

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor Degree in Mental Health discipline, education, or related field; Bachelor degree in Leisure Studies, Therapeutic Recreation, or Activity Therapy with C.T.R.S. Certification is preferred.