Recreation Therapist

The Recreation Therapist will assess individual resident's skills and deficiencies, implement plans based on meeting the needs of residents as determined by the individual comprehensive treatment plan. The Recreation Therapist will attend meetings and serve on assigned committees as needed. They take the lead in developing a therapeutic recreation program in conjunction with group staff.

Major Responsibilities/Tasks:

• Assesses each resident’s social and interpersonal skills, psychomotor and cardiovascular abilities
• Assesses each resident’s self-concept
• Develops treatment plans and goals which address the improvement or development of the resident’s capacity for social and/or recreational involvement
• Plans and implements the application of social and/or recreational skills through therapeutic and recreational activities
• Participates in treatment team meetings and Service Plan Reviews and ensures assigned treatment recommendations are carried out
• Ensures program compliance with all agency and department policies and procedures, federal, state and county regulations
• Works within the context of the treatment team to ensure the social and recreational needs of residents are being met
• Monitors all recreational services that are provided to residents based on the assessment and treatment planning process
• Integrates Trauma Informed Care, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention principles and practices throughout the residential programs
• Utilizes lower level TCI techniques and supports the “Life or Limb” restraint philosophy
• Models and practice sensitivity, fair treatment, and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions
• Models an interdisciplinary teamwork philosophy. Maintains positive working relationships with program staff and others within the agency
• Represents the department on internal and external committees as assigned; works closely with oversight agencies
• Coordinates with outside contractors to provide alternative therapeutic activities to the residents

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or in Recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation from a program approved by the New York State Education Department, or is currently registered as in a therapeutic recreation specialist by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society
• Minimum of one (1) year’s experience providing treatment to emotionally disturbed children and their parents; experience in a residential placement setting preferred
• Self-motivated and works independently
• Manages program supplies and adheres to the program budget
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to deescalate and manage difficult behaviors of children and initiate or participate in physical interventions when necessary
• Standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling and occasional lifting and/or moving more than 25 pounds
• Valid NYS driver’s license and continued automobile insurance

Competitive Salary of $58,500 per year

C+FS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment

• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays and bereavement time
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical insurance options
• Dental insurance options
• Vision insurance options
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care FSA Retirement
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions

Diversity Statement:

Within our agency and in the communities that we serve, C&FS is committed to diversity and inclusion with race equity at the center. Every day we work to promote safety, health, and wellness. We will not stop until Black, indigenous and people of color are free from racism and experience peace, prosperity and well-being.

Child & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Child & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child & Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.