Recreation Therapist - Mental Health Services

Position Details

Lakeland Regional Health is a leading medical center located in Central Florida. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have been dedicated to serving our community with excellence in healthcare. As the only Level 2 Trauma center for Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties, and the second busiest Emergency Department in the US, we are committed to providing high-quality care to our diverse patient population. Our facility is licensed for 910 beds and handles over 200,000 emergency room visits annually, along with 49,000 inpatient admissions, 21,000 surgical cases, 4,000 births, and 101,000 outpatient visits.

Lakeland Regional Health is currently seeking motivated individuals to join our team in various entry-level positions. Whether you're starting your career in healthcare or seeking new opportunities to make a difference, we have roles available across our primary and specialty clinics, urgent care centers, and upcoming standalone Emergency Department. With over 7,000 employees, Lakeland Regional Health offers a supportive work environment where you can thrive and grow professionally.

Work Hours per Biweekly Pay Period:

Shift: 7:00 PM – 3:00 AM Weekends additional shifts

Location: 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL

Pay Rate: Min $21.07 Mid $24.24

Position Summary

Conduct activity needs evaluation, group, individual and family activity therapy. May work as co-case manager in coordination of services to mental health patients. Supervises Recreational Therapy Assistant(s). Provides and coordinates activities for mental health and chemically dependent patients as part of those treatment programs and in accordance with individual treatment plans. Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Responsibilities

People At The Heart Of All That We Do

• Fosters an inclusive and engaged environment through teamwork and collaboration.
• Ensures patients and families have the best possible experiences across the continuum of care.
• Communicates appropriately with patients, families, team members, and our community in a manner that treasures all people as uniquely created.

Safety And Performance Improvement

• Behaves in a mindful manner focused on self, patient, visitor, and team safety.
• Demonstrates accountability and commitment to quality work.
• Participates actively in process improvement and adoption of standard work.

Stewardship

• Demonstrates responsible use of LRH's resources including people, finances, equipment and facilities.
• Knows and adheres to organizational and department policies and procedures.

Standard Work Duties: Recreation Therapist

Lead or functionally supervise Recreation Therapy Assistant and Student Interns; delegate work assignments, monitor/ review quality of work, provide technical assistance or training, and provide input on performance appraisal, and discipline.

Conducts group and individual group recreation activities according to patients' needs, capabilities and interests so that patient and program needs are met. Including coordination of occupational therapy activities if applicable.

Documents within the electronic health record patient's participation during recreation activities

Responsible for identifying patients who are in need of having a treatment plan formulated

Assist in continued development of the treatment program and activities. Collaborates in planning, organizing and directing therapeutic play and recreation programs to include such activities as games, parties, music and arts and crafts.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies & Skills

Essential:

• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively with peers and patients.
• Abilities in public speaking and public relations.
• Knowledge of Federal and State regulations related to practice setting.
• Demonstrates emotional maturity, neat appearance, ability to utilize self-control, leadership and maintain professionalism as a member of the health care team.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Bachelor Degree

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited school in Recreational Therapy with therapeutic emphasis, activity therapy, or comparable degree.

Essential:

• Basic Cardiac Life Support

Other information:

Certifications Essential: Certification as a Florida Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.