Recreational Therapist

at NorthShore University Health System in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Position Highlights:
Sign on Bonus: $5,000
Position: Recreational Therapist
Location: Chicago, IL
Full Time
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30 pm
Required Travel: No

A Brief Overview:
Responsible for developing a variety of therapeutic activities and recreational programs to enhance the milieu and meet the identified emotional, social, physical and recreational needs of the patient population served. Responsible for patient and family education as well as timely and accurate documentation and ongoing communication with physicians and other healthcare professionals. The successful individual will have the ability and skills in providing a therapeutic milieu for patients in the psychiatric unit. Responsible for monitoring the milieu for safety and conducts patient safety rounds if necessary.

What you will do:
Develop a variety of therapeutic activities and recreational programs to enhance the milieu in psychiatric unit and meet the identified emotional, social, physical and recreational needs of the patient population served.
Develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates therapeutic programs of individual, group, social, or recreational activities, which may include games, music, dances, movies, etc. in the psychiatric unit.
Conducts small group and individualized activities for individuals unable to participate in large groups.
Coordinates program schedules and work assignments to ensure staff coverage for all groups and recreational activities
Continuously encourages/assists patients to create and maintain supportive therapeutic environment.
Maintains timely and complete documentation including documentation of an individual's attendance in groups, response to activities and other pertinent observations in accordance with department policy.
Participate as a part of a multidisciplinary treatment team in the treatment planning and discussion.
Review patient care records to ensure documentation of an individual's progress and participation is included
Participates in program development and Performance/Quality Improvement initiatives
Provides coverage for planning activities in the absence of regularly assigned staff.
Maintains appropriate records and prepares reports.
Attends team and staff meetings, as well as other meetings as required
Performs other duties as assigned or requested by the nurse manager or designee
Enhances own professional growth and development.

What you will need:
Bachelors Degree Required
Recognizes needs and behavior of a variety of disability including psychiatric conditions, age and ethnic groups and is able to tailor programs appropriately. Understands the normal aging process.
experience in conducting therapeutic group's activities for persons who are mentally ill and/or developmentally disabled, or any other mental health setting.
Good communication skills, an understand and ability to read and write English
Good team player, sound judgment, patient-focused worth ethic
Good organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) - National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc. (NCTRC) Preferred
Benefits:
Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
Various Medical, Dental, and Vision options
Tuition Reimbursement
Discounted Parking
Wellness Program Savings Plan
Health Savings Account Options
Retirement Options with Company Match
Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
Community Involvement Opportunities

EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.