Description

PEAK VIEW BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  Recreation Therapy Student Intern

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Recreation Therapy Intern will: 

       Understand and promote the importance of individuals of all ages living a healthy, meaningful leisure lifestyle.

       Assist with planning and implementing a diverse therapeutic recreation program in all units of the hospital.

       Engage patients in individual and/or group recreation programming. 

       Possess knowledge and experience with conducting successful groups.

       Adapt programs as needed to match the functioning level and abilities of the patients. 

       Possess knowledge and experience with managing behaviors.

       Complete documentation on patients.

       Understand and honor the established hospital rules, regulations and Policy and Procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

       Enrollment in Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Therapy or Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation.

       Current certification in CPR and First Aid

       Eligibility to sit for the NCTRC exam upon graduation.

Experience:

       Experience working with individuals with mental and/or behavioral health challenges preferred.

       Experience in a psychiatric or health care setting preferred.

Additional Requirement:

       BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) or CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) 

       Organizational skills

       Written and verbal communication skills

       Ability to motivate and engage patients of all ages and functioning levels in meaningful activities

       Compassion and patience

       Working knowledge of office and recreation equipment.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

THESE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ARE CATEGORIZED UNDER THE JCACHO STANDS OF PERFORMANCE

Duties and Responsibilities:

Plan and implement individual and group recreation programs with patients as assigned by supervisor. 
Monitor patient participation in recreation programs. 
Adapt or modify activities to meet patient needs and interests.
Provide patients with activity resources, supplies and equipment, as needed.
Provide emotional support to patients and families. 
Provide a positive, supportive atmosphere during recreation programs. 
Request needed supplies and equipment to supervisor in a timely manner, as needed.
Work with volunteers, other student interns and contractors involved in the recreation programs.
Participate in team meetings and in-services, as assigned. 
Communicate behavioral observations of patients to other staff members. 
Encourage patient involvement in recreation opportunities and provides necessary supports to facilitate involvement. 
Know and adhere to facility policies and procedures regarding Health, Safety, Risk Management, Infection Control, etc. 
Work to promote a positive, professional image of RT within and outside the facility. 
Communicate clearly and accurately the philosophy, goals and purpose of recreation therapy. 
Assist with the physical appearance of the facility through the development and maintenance of facility bulletin boards and the organization of leisure supplies available to patients on the units as well as in storage areas.
Develop and promote positive working relationships within the hospital. 
Complete Assessments as assigned.
Write Progress Notes as assigned, relating them back to the treatment plan.
Complete and present two complete case studies including chart review, client and care giver interviews, observation and assessment.
Complete and present a final major project, as deemed appropriate by supervisor, which is decided upon through a cooperative exploration of department needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Communication:  The act of giving or exchanging information and messages in speech or writing.

1.      Maintain professional and positive relations with patients, family members, visitors, physicians, co-workers and supervisor.

2.      Promote and educate others to the role and progress of Recreation Therapy in a professional manner.

3.      Ability to communicate effectively in English through verbal and written means.

4.      Ability to discuss ideas and issues.

5.      Ability to follow through with plans.

6.      Respects confidentiality of patient and employee information.

7.      Report, by law or regulatory requirements, events such as abuse or loss of services, etc.

8.      Complete Incident Report for any happening not consistent with the routine operation.

9.      Assist in milieu management, as assigned.

10.   Document in patient charts clearly and concisely.

Behavior:  The way a person conducts self

1.      Maintain a courteous and professional manner in dealing with patients, family members, visitors, physicians, co-workers and supervisor.

2.      Demonstrate a positive attitude toward work schedules and assignments.

3.      Attend mandatory in-services education programs and shows evidence of educational growth.

4.      Accept assignments as appropriate with knowledge and experience.

5.      Present a professional appearance in dress and grooming and wears hospital identification badge and follows dress code.

6.      Handle emergencies, pressures and stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.

7.      Able to organize tasks, develop action plans and set priorities.

8.      Conform to hospital policy regarding notification of absence or tardiness.

Professional Development:  To anticipate self-growth and career development, including accomplishment of previous goals.

1.      Plan and implement a program to meet patient needs through formal and informal means.

2.      Demonstrate knowledge of and performs within limits of policies and procedures.

3.      Complete all mandatory in-services and stays current with required certifications.

4.      Participate in special projects as assigned.

Environment of Care:  Application of safety, security, hazardous material, emergency preparedness, life safety, medical equipment and utilities management.

1.      Understand individual responsibilities for safety and infection control and carries out responsibilities as defined in policy and procedure manuals.

2.      Demonstrate proper handling of medical waste.

3.      Understand and able to perform appropriately during ALL hospital codes.

4.      Participate in fire drills and disaster drills as able and appropriate.

5.      Take corrective action for unsafe conditions.

6.      Report injury to self immediately to supervisor.

7.      Monitor equipment and space for hazardous situations.

8.      Demonstrate awareness of patient’s needs and profiles to plan and/or execute safe activities.

9.      Remove broken equipment out of service and notifies appropriate department of repair.

Age Specific:

1.      Encourage patients to participate in their own plan for recreation as much as possible.

2.      Demonstrate knowledge of patient needs for individual scheduling needs.

3.      Understand and apply principles of patient learning methods as it relate to health care educational needs.

Note:  The essential job functions of this position are not limited to the duties listed above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AND EMPLOYEE IN THE POSITION OF RECREATION THERAPIST SHOULD CURRENTLY POSSESS.  THIS LIST MAY NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION.

1.      Knowledge of JCAHO, federal, state and local laws concerning the operation of the hospital.

2.      Knowledge of life safety, application codes and OSHA regulations.

3.      Skills in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet job requirements and deadlines.

4.      Skills in telephone etiquette and paging procedures.

5.      Effective oral and written communication skills.

6.      Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers.

7.      Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures.

8.      Ability to use good judgment.

9.      Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.

10.   Ability to work as a team player.

11.   Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patients and dedication.

12.   Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.

13.   Ability to recognize the importance of adapting to the various patient age groups (child, adolescents, adult and geriatrics).

14.   Ability to work in a fast paced environment.

15.   Ability to analyze problems and situations.

16.   Ability to meet deadlines.

17.   Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SPECIAL DEMANDS

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES HOW A RECREATION THERAPIST CURRENTLY PERFORMS THE FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSTIION.  MODIFICATIONS TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS JOB MAY BE PERFORMED WILL BE REVIEWED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.

1.      May be required to work weekdays and/or weekend, evening and/or night shifts.

2.      May be required to work on religious and/or national holidays.

3.      May be required to work as necessary during disaster situations.

4.      May be required to stay after scheduled shift to assist after a disaster situation or until relief arrives.

5.      Regular attendance and reporting on time is a requirement of this position.

6.      Ability to move continuously is required in the completion of job requirements.

7.      Ability to operate small equipment as needed.

8.      Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, balance, push, pull and twist.  

9.      Ability to see well enough to read handwritten and typewritten material.

10.   Ability to hear sound with or without correction.

11.   Ability to handle a variety of repetitive tasks.

12.   Ability to respond appropriately and safely to exposure to blood and bodily fluids.

13.   Ability to stand for long periods of time.

14.   Ability to use both hands in fine and gross manipulation of small equipment.

15.   Ability to push or pull up to 50 pounds.

16.   Ability to work in an indoor temperature controlled environment with outdoor exposure, as well.

17.   Honor smoking policies.

18.   Ability to work under stressful circumstances, at times.

19.   Ability to work in an environment with continuous noise levels. 

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND OTHER WORK AIDES

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES THOSE MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND OTHER WORK RELATED AIDES A RECREATION THERAPIST MUST BE ABLE TO USE.

1.      Computer and various software packages and proprietary programs

2.      Telephone and paging system

3.      Copy machine

4.      Televisions

5.      Stereos

6.      Gaming components

7.      Projector

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

Plan and implement individual and group recreation programs with patients as assigned by supervisor. 
Monitor patient participation in recreation programs. 
Adapt or modify activities to meet patient needs and interests.
Provide patients with activity resources, supplies and equipment, as needed.
Provide emotional support to patients and families. 
Provide a positive, supportive atmosphere during recreation programs. 
Request needed supplies and equipment to supervisor in a timely manner, as needed.
Work with volunteers, other student interns and contractors involved in the recreation programs.
Participate in team meetings and in-services, as assigned. 
Communicate behavioral observations of patients to other staff members. 
Encourage patient involvement in recreation opportunities and provides necessary supports to facilitate involvement. 
Know and adhere to facility policies and procedures regarding Health, Safety, Risk Management, Infection Control, etc. 
Work to promote a positive, professional image of RT within and outside the facility. 
Communicate clearly and accurately the philosophy, goals and purpose of recreation therapy. 
Assist with the physical appearance of the facility through the development and maintenance of facility bulletin boards and the organization of leisure supplies available to patients on the units as well as in storage areas.
Develop and promote positive working relationships within the hospital. 
Complete Assessments as assigned.
Write Progress Notes as assigned, relating them back to the treatment plan.
Complete and present two complete case studies including chart review, client and care giver interviews, observation and assessment.
Complete and present a final major project, as deemed appropriate by supervisor, which is decided upon through a cooperative exploration of department needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.