Recreational Therapist Job Description
Recreational Therapist Job Description: Recreational therapists, also referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatment services and recreation activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings, therapists improve and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients. Therapists help individuals reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively so that they can enjoy greater independence and reduce or eliminate the effects of their illness or disability. In addition, therapists help people with disabilities integrate into the community by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities. In acute health care settings, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, the Recreational Therapist Job Description includes treating and rehabilitating individuals with specific health conditions, usually in conjunction or collaboration with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists. In long-term and residential care facilities, recreational therapists use leisure activities—especially structured group programs—to improve and maintain their clients’ general health and well-being. They also may provide interventions to prevent the client from suffering further medical problems and complications. Recreational therapists assess clients using information from observations, medical records, standardized assessments, the medical staff, the clients’ families, and the clients themselves. They then develop and carry out therapeutic interventions consistent with the clients’ needs and interests. For example, they may encourage clients who are isolated from others or who have limited social skills to play games with others, and they may teach right-handed people with right-side paralysis how to use their unaffected left side to throw a ball or swing a racket. Recreational therapists may instruct patients in relaxation techniques to reduce stress and tension, stretching and limbering exercises, proper body mechanics for participation in recreational activities, pacing and energy conservation techniques, and team activities. As they work, therapists observe and document a patient’s participation, reactions, and progress. Community-based recreational therapists may work in park and recreation departments, special-education programs for school districts, or assisted-living, adult day care, and substance abuse rehabilitation centers. In these programs, therapists use interventions to develop specific skills, while providing opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, creativity, and fun. Those few who work in schools help counselors, teachers, and parents address the special needs of students, including easing disabled students’ transition into adult life. Work environment Recreational therapists provide services in special activity rooms but also plan activities and prepare documentation in offices. When working with clients during community integration programs, they may travel locally to teach clients how to use public transportation and other public areas, such as parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, restaurants, and theaters. Therapists often lift and carry equipment. Recreational therapists generally work a 40-hour week that may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays. Training and Qualifications - what you have to do to be a physical therapist A bachelor’s degree with a major or concentration in therapeutic recreation is the usual requirement for entry-level positions. Some States regulate recreational therapists, but requirements vary. Education and training Most entry-level recreational therapists need a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, or in recreation with a concentration in therapeutic recreation. People may qualify for paraprofessional positions with an associate degree in therapeutic recreation or another subject related to health care. An associate degree in recreational therapy; training in art, drama, or music therapy; or qualifying work experience may be sufficient for activity director positions in nursing homes. Licensing and Credentialing Only a handful of states require licensure for recreational therapists. Most employers require National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. The council offers the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential to candidates who have a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited educational institution, pass a written certification examination, and complete a supervised internship of at least 480 hours. Significant Points
Advancement - chances for promotion Recreational Therapists may advance to supervisory or administrative positions. Some teach, conduct research, or consult for health or social services agencies. As an allied health professional they may be recruited into healthcare administration. Anesthesiologist Job Description , Athletic Trainer Job Description , Audiologist Job Description , Cardiologist Job Description , Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Job Description , Chiropractor Job Description , Dental Hygienist Job Description , Dentist Job Description , Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Job Description , Dietetic Technicians Job Description , Dietitians and Nutritionists Job Description , Esthetician Job Description , Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedic Job Description , Family and General Practitioners Job Description , Healthcare Administrator Job Description , Internist Job Description , Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Job Description , Massage Therapist Job Description , Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician Job Description , Medical Coding Job Description , Medical Records Clerk and Health Information Technician Job Description , Neurologist Job Description , Neurosurgeon Job Description , Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Description , Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Anesthesiologist Job Description , Obstetrician and Gynecologist Doctor Job Description , Occupational Health and Safety Specialist and Technician Job Description , Occupational Therapist Job Description , Dispensing Optician Job Description , Optometrist Job Description , Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Description , Orthodontist Job Description , Orthotist and Prosthetist Job Description , Pediatrician Job Description , Pharmacist Job Description , Pharmacy Technician Job Description , Phlebotomist Job Description , Physical Therapist Job Description , Physician Assistant Job Description , Podiatrist Job Description , Prosthodontist Job Description , Psychiatric Technician Job Description , Psychiatrist Job Description , Psychologist Job Description , Radiation Therapist Job Description , Recreational Therapist Job Description , Registered Nurse Job Description , Respiratory Therapist Job Description , Speech-Language Pathologist or Speech Therapist Job Description , Surgeon Job Description , Surgical Technologist Job Description , Veterinarian Job Description , Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Description
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