Recreational Therapist

Highlands BHS

Highlands Behavioral Health System is an 86 bed freestanding behavioral health hospital offering psychiatric care for adults and adolescents. Centrally located in Littleton, the facility is easily accessible to families throughout the Front Range and just minutes from surrounding communities.

Recreational Therapist

The Recreational Therapist supervises and coordinates the activities of patients in the Recreational Therapy program to facilitate rehabilitation of mentally or emotionally disabled patients. The Recreational Therapist follows policies, procedures, standards and objectives for the treatment of patients; complies with performance improvement program. May organize and conduct music, recreation, or occupational therapy programs, depending on specialty. Directs patient participation in selected tasks to restore, reinforce and enhance performance. Facilitates the learning of skills and functions essential for adaptation and productivity, diminish or correct pathology, and to promote and maintain health.

Essential Job Duties:

• Comply with goals, objectives and procedures for the Recreational Services Department.
• Comply with standards for patient participation in Recreational Therapy.
• Plans Recreational Therapy program involving such activities as leisure, education, sports and games, singing, dancing, creating music, exercise programs, and occupational programs; participation in a variety of sensory, motor, educational, and social activities.
• Teaches patients the skills and techniques required for participation in activities and evaluates patient's progress, attitudes and behavior as related to their rehabilitative potential.
• Adapts program according to the needs of the individual patients. Studies patients' reactions while they are engaged in Recreational Therapy activities and prepares progress notes reflecting their reactions to the activity program.
• Identify patient needs, develop and coordinate the implementations of therapeutic programs in accordance with administrative guidelines and medical directives.
• Recommend equipment and supplies for related programs.
• Initiate patient charges.
• Maintain department records.
• Assure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Participate in performance improvement records and techniques.
• Comply with infection control policies and procedures.
• Participate in education programs.
• Collaborate with hospital staff and medical staff to ensure optimal patient care.
• Promote positive working environment.
• Promote guest relations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Promotes safety by attending mandatory in services and complies with all safety measures initiated by the facility