Recreation Therapist

The Recreation Therapist develops and implements recreational programs for residents, with a goal of encouraging the elders to live with purpose, wholeness, and dignity. The Recreation Therapist will be responsible for using recreation modalities such as fitness, intellectual pursuits, and social programs to develop and use leisure in ways that enhance health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life.

Job duties specific to this position:   

• Develops and implements programs to meet resident’s physical, psychosocial, educational, and spiritual needs and interests.
• Organizes, coordinates and assists residents on outings to restaurants, cultural events, concerts, etc.
• Uses strong leadership skills to motivate and empower others, to inspire, and create an environment that fosters choice and personal well-being.
• Uses collaboration skills and teamwork to coordinate with other departments on special events.
• Works flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
• Assesses past, current and desired interests, to target programs that nurture and celebrate one’s personhood as part of Person Centered Care Programming.
• Modifies and adapts programs based on ability level for success.
• Promotes a culture of exceptional customer service by developing positive relationships with residents, family members, employees, and volunteers.
• Markets and communicates all events and activities to promote awareness of the service offerings to individual residents, staff and families. Distributes newsletters, calendar and bulletin board postings.  Provides information and education as needed.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records to support Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) efforts and other required documentation.
• Maintains statistical data on daily activity attendance and hours of participation.
• Actively participates in weekly interdisciplinary care plan meetings.
• May transport residents to and from activities.
• Reports and documents all incidents and accidents immediately and per established procedures.
• Ensures program is compliant with DOH regulations and survey ready at all times.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends in therapeutic recreation service delivery.
• Advocates for recreational resources i.e. adaptive equipment, reading material, etc. for residents to maximize independence and group participation. Uses Loretto equipment as it was intended to maximize useful life. Initiates maintenance requests as required.

Job expectations for all employees:  

• Promotes and role-models the mission, values, vision and strategic goals of Loretto in all interactions with staff, peers, residents, family members, vendors and visitors. Treats people with dignity, professionalism and kindness.
• Demonstrates excellent internal and external customer service skills such as friendly greeting, making eye contact, listening attentively, responding in a timely manner, showing respect and empathy and acting as a role model for staff and peers.
• Demonstrates excellent work attendance, reliability and work ethics.
• Attends and actively participates in required meetings and training sessions.
• Complies with established policies, procedures, and codes of conduct at all times.
• Adheres to all health and safety requirements, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Practices and teaches safety awareness. Identifies and reports or corrects any possible safety or environmental issues.
• Understands all HIPAA and other compliance & regulatory requirements associated with their role, including completion of required internal or external training/certifications.
• Performs a variety of related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation or related field preferred
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a therapeutic recreation or similar role preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in recreation therapy program design.
• Knowledge of adult care facilities and applicable regulations desired.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with clients, residents, and families from diverse backgrounds who may have physical, sensory and mental impairments.
• Valid and unrestricted driver’s license.

• Pay Range $24 - $31 / hour
• Excellent medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance
• Disability coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 401(k) Retirement/Pension Plans
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Free Loretto Health Clinic Visits
• Generous Paid Time-Off Accrual
• Fun events for employees
• Convenient locations with free parking
• Employee Coaches - to help you achieve life goals
• Diaper Assistance Program
• Opportunity for career growth and movement within 19 sites!