Recreational Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY
As a Recreation Therapist, you will provide strategic leadership, program development, and operational oversight for all therapeutic activity services within the Acute Geriatric Psychiatry Hospital (AGPH). You are responsible for designing and delivering evidence-based therapeutic programming that supports patient stabilization, recovery, and progression to the highest level of wellness. You will serve as a key member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IDT), ensuring therapeutic activity services are clinically aligned, regulatory compliant, and integrated into each patient’s individualized treatment plan while driving program excellence, staff performance, and continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop and enhance a comprehensive therapeutic activities program aligned with best practices and patient needs.
• Establish program goals, performance metrics, and outcomes tied to patient wellness and recovery.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including CMS, Joint Commission, and state guidelines.
• Introduce innovative, evidence-based therapeutic modalities appropriate for geriatric psychiatric populations.
• Oversee group and individualized therapeutic interventions and ensure alignment with patient treatment plans.
• Collaborate with the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IDT) to integrate therapeutic programming into care plans.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and therapeutic milieu for all patients.
• Lead, supervise, and develop Recreation Coordinators, students, interns, and volunteers.
• Manage staffing models, schedules, training, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, compassion, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as an active member of the IDT, contributing patient engagement insights and clinical observations.
• Collaborate with nursing, psychiatry, and social services to support comprehensive care delivery.
• Ensure accurate, timely EMR documentation, including assessments, progress notes, and care plans.
• Establish documentation standards, conduct audits, and monitor compliance and quality indicators.
• Promote patient dignity, engagement, and safety while reducing isolation and behavioral risks.
• Conduct initial activity assessments within 72 hours of admission and ensure ongoing reassessments are completed weekly.
• Ensure recreation therapy treatment plans are developed within required timeframes and updated regularly based on patient progress.
• Participate in and present at treatment team meetings, providing updates on patient status, behaviors, and interventions.
• Monitor patients for behavioral changes, medication side effects, and cognitive or physical changes, reporting findings to licensed staff.
• Facilitate group and individual therapeutic programs across social, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and physical domains.
• Maintain activity calendars and ensure appropriate supervision of patients during all programming.
• Account for and secure all equipment, supplies, and potentially hazardous items after each session.
• Provide patient and family education related to therapeutic programming and treatment plans.
• Report incidents, safety concerns, and equipment issues in accordance with facility policy.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives, including reviewing indicators and recommending improvements.
• Assist with complaint, grievance, and compliment processes, including tracking, trending, and reporting outcomes.
• Provide ongoing staff training on behavioral interventions and psychosocial care.
• Ensure patient safety through adherence to fall precautions, elopement prevention, and environmental safety standards.
• Maintain compliance with all facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations and support a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold standards of dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
• Attend required in-services, trainings, and meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB DETAILS
• Pay Rate: $ 41.00 to 50.00 per hour 
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Shift Schedule: Day
• Days Off: Saturday,Sunday
• Working Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Alternative qualifications may include a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, social services, occupational therapy, kinesiology) with eligibility for certification.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with mentally ill patients preferred.
• Certification or eligibility for certification as a Recreation Therapist through the California Board of Park and Recreation or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification within 90 days of hire.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing mental health services.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to make independent decisions and respond appropriately to cultural diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to engage geriatric and mentally ill populations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to move throughout the facility throughout the day.
• Ability to cope with mental, emotional, and physical demands of the role.
• Ability to work with elderly, mentally ill, and emotionally distressed individuals.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or move between 25–50 pounds.
• Ability to assist in emergency evacuations.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to blood, body fluids, chemicals, noise, and environmental hazards.
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, stoop, stretch, twist, and reach for extended periods.
• Good visual and auditory acuity with fine motor skills.