Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

This position plans, organizes, implements, and supervises programs for the special needs population of Richland County Recreation Commission (RCRC). Work involves planning, supervising, and coordinating community-wide leisure service programs for the special needs (physical handicapped, mentally challenged, developmentally disabled, veteran groups, and senior citizens); assesses patrons needs and develops and communicates treatment plans through therapeutic activities; and maintains accurate and detailed documents and reports; must also effectively supervise assigned staff.  This position also collects and deposits funds; solicits donations; speaks to community organizations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plans, implements, supervises, and coordinates therapeutic recreation programs and programs for special populations including, but not limited to: the physically challenged; mentally handicapped; developmentally disabled; veteran groups; and other identified groups where specific needs are able to be appropriately addressed.
• Evaluates the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning of patrons through interviews, observations, and standardized assessments.
• Designs recreational therapy programs tailored to the individual’s needs, such as sports, arts and crafts, games, music, and community outings.
• Ensures activities are conducted in a safe environment, are adaptable for different abilities, and designed to maximize engagement.
• Continuously track clients’ progress toward therapeutic goals and adjust treatment plans as necessary based on regular evaluations.
• Maintains detailed records of therapy sessions, including progress notes, treatment plans, and assessments.
• Communicates with healthcare teams, families, and other stakeholders regarding patrons progress and work with caregivers to educate them about recreational therapy and how they can support clients.
• Solicits donations for arcade games for the game room, and other donations as needed for camp and other programs within department.
• Assists with spring and fall dances, cheerleaders, and various sports such as football, basketball, kickball, etc.; works with and coordinates volunteers; coaches assigned sports; and maintains inventory for sports equipment.
• Schedules fields and gym space for activities, programs, and events.
• Driving to and from different locations within the Agency.
• Participates in different activities in Camp Sunshine; assists with taking payments by soliciting funds and donations; administers medication; conducts glucose checks for diabetic campers; checks temperature and blood pressure as needed; helps with lunch; and assists with toileting and changing diapers.
• Assists with coordinating different activities such as trips, luncheons, pool parties, family fun days, kids' nights out, and gala.
• Maintains a garden for each season and assists with purchasing supplies/plants, planting, and maintaining the garden.
• Meets the public and speaks to civic organizations.
• Coordinates volunteers for special events.
• Coordinates with special needs organizations (DDSN, Family Connections, Division of Autism, etc.) for program services and funding; helps to coordinate fund raising events for special populations; and works with Special Olympics.
• Supervises an assigned staff of part-time recreation specialists, volunteers, and camp counselors.
• Plans appropriate programs of therapeutic recreation for groups and individuals.
• Provides a safe environment; addresses inappropriate behavior; and devises a plan for those who are not compliant.
• Coordinates therapeutic recreation services with the total program of the department.
• Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in therapeutic recreation, recreation, physical education, special education, or a related field with special training in working with the disabled.
• Two (2) years of related work experience in planning, directing, and/or supervising specialized recreation activities and working with people with disabilities and special needs.
• Or the equivalent combination of education and/or related work experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the theories and practices of recreational therapy, including activities that support cognitive, physical, and emotional health.
• Knowledge of the objectives, principles, techniques, materials, and equipment of therapeutic recreation and the role of therapeutic recreation in a community setting.
• Knowledge of basic computer programs.
• Knowledge of the organization of leagues, tournaments, exhibits, demonstrations, and entertainments for people with special needs.
• Skill in critical thinking to address patrons’ diverse needs and adjust activities or approaches accordingly.
• Skill in providing customer service.
• Skill in public speaking.
• Ability to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers.
• Ability to be patient and deal with non-compliant and/or aggressive behaviors.
• Ability to assist with toileting and changing diapers.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid Driver’s License to drive an RCRC vehicle and produce an acceptable 10 year driving record.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is light work and requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects; work may also require balancing, climbing, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by spoken word, shouting above noises, visual acuity for data/color/observations/equipment/inspections, and walking.