The Recreation Therapist I interprets, organizes, applies and modifies as necessary medically prescribed recreation therapy to inpatients and/or outpatients. Is responsible for clinical assessment, goal setting, treatment planning, transdisciplinary communication and discharge planning. Administers and supervises therapeutic recreation treatments, and completes all medical record documentation.  Provides patient care consistent with the Scope of Practice Standards and Code of Ethics of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.  Participates in community outreach programming. Participates in program development and quality improvement processes. Competency skills include the ability to provide care in a safe environment utilizing appropriate communication with sensitivity to special populations. This includes patients with diverse cultural backgrounds, age, developmental issues and physical impairments. The Recreation Therapist I is an entry-level position for new graduates or those new to the setting of hire.  Focus on orientation and mentorship to become an independent, competent clinician.  Successful proficiency at this level is necessary for progression to Level II. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently. 

LEVEL OF EDUCATION 

Minimum: B.S. or B.A. in Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited college.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Minimum: Certified by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification or National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Current CA driver's license. American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certified. 

Preferred: Current life guarding certification and adapted aquatics experience. 

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Minimum: Knowledge of recreation therapy techniques and modalities. Knowledge of body mechanics, including procedure for handling and moving patients. Basic computer skills for chart review and documentation in electronic medical record. 

Preferred: Previous driving experience in transporting patients or people with disabilities 

YEARS OF RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE 

Minimum: Entry level to 6 months of experience as a Recreation Therapist