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DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, incumbents of this class are responsible for providing a scheduled program of therapeutic recreational activities to an assigned group of patients for the purpose of effecting improvements in their physical, emotional and social well-being. An incumbent in this class plans, implements, coordinates and participates in the conduct of therapeutic recreation activities for patient groups. Therapists conduct assessments, make treatment recommendations specific to the discipline and patient needs, and communicate this information to appropriate treatment staff. Therapists function as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team managing all aspects of clinical and environmental patient issues. Patient responses and progress are communicated via rounds, staff meetings and case conferences. Supervision may be exercised over a number of recreation leaders, aides, volunteers or other support staff. Does related work as required.EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative Only) Assumes direct responsibility for the welfare of all assigned patients; Organizes and conducts therapeutic activities such as sports, arts, crafts, social activities, trips, games, group discussions and special programs in accordance with patients' needs, capabilities and interests; Adapts therapeutic activities and equipment to facilitate patient participation, as needed; Participates in the development of a treatment plan for patients, based upon comprehensive assessments developed with treatment team; prepares recommendations regarding the therapeutic activity portion of the treatment plan, and evaluates this portion on a regular basis and revises treatment plan when indicated; Documents recreation therapy assessments, treatment plan, and progress notes in the patients' charts; Posts up-to date schedule of therapeutic activities for each day of the week in a conspicuous area in the Unit for patient information; Informs patients and Unit staff of special activities, or off-ground trips, by announcements, flyers, and participation in meetings; Acts as lead therapist with paraprofessionals and/or student interns by making work assignments, providing advice and guidance in carrying out activities and goals of the therapeutic recreation program; Attends and participate in rounds, staff meetings and seminars for the purpose of continuously updating professional knowledge and enhancing program effectiveness; Orders, stores and issues recreation equipment and maintains daily activities area; Performs related duties and other departmental tasks as may be assigned by the Department Head or Recreation Therapy Supervisor. RECREATIONAL THERAPIST Page 2REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES: Good knowledge of the theory and methods used in therapeutic activity programs; expertise in one of the specialized recreational activities such as creative arts therapy, leisure counseling, rehabilitation counseling, etc.; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients in order to stimulate their interest in recreational activities; ability to work individually and in groups to develop and implement recreational service programs and motivate patient's participation; ability to prepare and maintain accurate and appropriate records and reports; sound judgment; creativity; flexibility; tact; resourcefulness; initiative; integrity; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM ACCEPTABLETRAINING AND

Experience:

Either (a) a Bachelor's Degree* or a Master's Degree* in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation with an option in Therapeutic Recreation, and one year experience providing therapeutic recreational activities to special population groups such as psychiatric, pediatric, geriatric, or disabled patients or clients in a clinical, residential or community based program; or (b) a Bachelor's Degree* which included or was supplemented by satisfactory completion of coursework which included at least (9) credits* in Therapeutic Recreation content courses, (9) credits* in general recreation content courses and (18) credits* in adaptive physical education, related biological/physical sciences, human services, psychology, sociology or special education, and two years experience as defined in (a) above.SUBSTITUTION: Satisfactory completion of coursework towards a Masters Degree* in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, Leisure Education, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance Therapy, Drama Therapy, Rehabilitation, or Counseling may be substituted for the above experience at the rate of 30 credits* per year. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in the State of New York. *SPECIAL NOTE: Education beyond the secondary level must be from an institution recognized or accredited by the Board of Regents of the New York State Education Department as a post-secondary, degree-granting institution.

About Us:

MidHudson Regional Hospital

MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY, is home to the mid-Hudson Valley's most advanced healthcare services. This 243-bed facility cares for more than 10,000 inpatients annually while performing an additional 325,000 outpatient procedures each year. MidHudson Regional Hospital operates the area's only Level II trauma center, is home to the Redl Center for Cancer Care and Center for Robotic Surgery, and is a destination hospital for patients with serious illnesses and injuries.