Recreation Therapist - Weekend
12 days ago
Salt Lake City
Job Description Job Title: Recreation Therapist -- Weekend Department: Clinical Services Reports To: Clinical Director FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Job Type: Part-Time Location: Ascent Behavioral Hospital – Millcreek, UT About Ascent Behavioral Hospital At Ascent Behavioral Hospital, we provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and other psychiatric challenges. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to creating a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment that promotes healing, resilience, and long-term recovery. We uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect, collaboration, accountability, and patient safety. Position Summary The Recreation Therapist plays a critical role in the therapeutic milieu by designing and facilitating structured, goal-oriented recreational and experiential activities that support patients’ treatment goals. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Recreation Therapist uses evidence-based recreational therapy interventions to improve patients’ emotional regulation, social skills, coping strategies, self-esteem, and overall functioning. Key Responsibilities • Plan, develop, and facilitate therapeutic recreational and experiential groups aligned with patients’ individualized treatment plans., • Utilize evidence-based recreational therapy interventions to support emotional regulation, socialization, coping skills, and stress management., • Collaborate with therapists, nursing staff, psychiatrists, and other treatment team members to ensure continuity of care., • Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging therapeutic environment during activities., • Adapt activities to meet the developmental, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of adolescent patients., • Document group participation, patient engagement, and progress in the electronic medical record in a timely and accurate manner., • Participate in treatment team meetings, providing input related to patient engagement, strengths, and progress., • Support hospital initiatives related to patient safety, trauma-informed care, and quality improvement., • Assist with special events, community-building activities, and therapeutic outings as clinically appropriate and approved., • Model appropriate boundaries, communication, and behavior consistent with hospital policies and therapeutic standards. Essential Functions • Lead daily therapeutic recreation groups and structured activities as scheduled., • Assess patient participation and therapeutic response to recreational interventions., • Communicate observations and concerns to the treatment team in a timely and professional manner., • Maintain inventory, cleanliness, and safe use of recreational equipment and supplies., • Follow all hospital safety protocols, including supervision requirements and crisis response procedures., • Participate in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care practices as trained., • Maintain compliance with state regulations, hospital policies, and Joint Commission standards.Competencies, • Patient Focus: Demonstrates empathy, builds rapport, and supports patient-centered care., • Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with patients, families, and team members., • Teamwork: Collaborates effectively within an interdisciplinary treatment team., • Adaptability: Adjusts activities and interventions based on patient needs and unit acuity., • Engagement: Creates motivating and meaningful therapeutic experiences., • Safety Awareness: Maintains constant awareness of patient safety and risk factors., • Professionalism: Demonstrates reliability, appropriate boundaries, and ethical behavior. Requirements Qualifications Required: • Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field, • Ability to facilitate group activities with adolescents in a behavioral health setting, • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, • Ability to manage challenging behaviors with professionalism and calm demeanor, • CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire), • Must pass a federal background check Preferred: • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), • Previous experience in a psychiatric hospital, residential treatment center, or behavioral health setting, • Experience working with adolescents, • Training in trauma-informed care, CPI, or de-escalation techniquesPhysical & Environmental Requirements, • Ability to stand, walk, and engage in physical activity for extended periods, • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs as needed, • Work involves potential exposure to patients in emotional or behavioral crisis situations, • Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities as required Benefits • Health, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, and other insurance plans available after probationary period, • Employer contributions to Health Savings Account (HSA), • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), • Continued professional development and certification opportunities, • Significant discounts for hundreds of professional gear brands, • Close to many world-class ski resorts
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