What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Technician (PT- 0.4 FTE, Mid Shift) position at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital?
Position Summary:
The Recreation Technician works directly with licensed mental health professionals on the Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Unit to develop and facilitate therapeutic group and individual activities. These programs support wellness across psychological, emotional, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual domains. This role requires compassion, structure, and awareness of the needs of individuals navigating mental health challenges. The Recreation Technician contributes to the interdisciplinary care team by creating a supportive, trauma-informed environment that fosters safety, expression, and engagement in treatment.
Qualifications:
Required:
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) or Heart Saver CPR & AED certification, or ability to obtain within three (3) months of hire.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a health-related or social science field.
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.
- Experience working with adults in behavioral health or psychiatric settings.
- Training in trauma-informed care and/or crisis intervention (e.g., CPI).
Essential Job Functions: In addition to the essential functions of the job listed below, employees must have on-time completion of all required education as assigned per DNV requirements, Bozeman Health policy, and other registry requirements.
- Leads group activities that promote emotional regulation, cognitive stimulation, creativity, and physical wellness.
- Plans and prepares daily structured programs in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team.
- Encourages patient participation in therapeutic programming by using positive engagement and motivational strategies.
- Observes and documents patient behavior, participation, and response to activities.
- Supports clinical staff by reporting notable changes in mood, behavior, or safety risks.
- Conducts routine safety checks and environmental observations to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment.
- Assists in the prevention and de-escalation of crises using approved intervention techniques.
- Participates in unit meetings and interdisciplinary rounds as requested.
- Maintains supplies, equipment, and organization of activity spaces.
- Drives or accompanies patients to off-unit recreational or therapeutic activities as assigned.
- Supports quality improvement initiatives and program enhancements as needed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrates sound judgment, patience, and maintains a professional demeanor at all times
- Exercises tact, discretion, sensitivity, and maintains confidentiality
- Performs essential job functions successfully in a busy and stressful environment
- Learns current and new computer applications and office equipment utilized at Bozeman Health
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Analyzes, organizes, and prioritizes work while meeting multiple deadlines
Schedule Requirements
- This role requires regular and sustained attendance.
- The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts.
- On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs.
Physical Requirements
- Lifting (Rarely – 30 pounds): Exerting force and/or using a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects or people.
- Sit (Continuously): Maintaining a sitting posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
- Stand (Occasionally): Maintaining a standing posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
- Walk (Occasionally): Walking and moving around within the work area requires good balance and coordination.
- Climb (Rarely): Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like using feet and legs; may also use hands and arms.
- Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Occasionally): Twisting, bending, stooping, and kneeling require flexibility and a wide range of motion in the spine and joints.
- Reach Above Shoulder Level (Occasionally): Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects as necessary above the shoulder, requiring strength and stability.
- Push/Pull (Occasionally): Using the upper extremities to press or exert force against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
- Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously): Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than using the whole hand as in handling.
- Vision (Continuously): Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures and to read computer screens, printed materials, and handwritten materials.
- Cognitive Skills (Continuously): Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
- Exposures (Rarely): Bloodborne pathogens, such as blood, bodily fluids, or tissues. Radiation in settings where medical imaging procedures are performed. Various chemicals and medications are used in healthcare settings. Job tasks may involve handling cleaning products, disinfectants, and other substances. Infectious diseases due to contact with patients in areas that may have contagious illnesses.
- Frequency Key: Continuously (100% - 67% of the time), Repeatedly (66% - 33% of the time), Occasionally (32% - 4% of the time), Rarely (3% - 1% of the time), Never (0%).
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job classification. They are not to be construed as a contract of any type nor an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by individuals so classified.
