RECREATION THERAPIST - Jacson

Under general supervision, to plan, develop, and provide progressive therapeutic ecreation for mental health patients; and to do other work as required.

This class reports to a Supervising Occupational Therapist and is distinguished by the responsibility to participate as a member of therapeutic treatment teams that design and provide rehabilitative therapy programs for mental health patients. The Recreation Therapist attempts to improve the quality of life of patients by using a variety of recreational activities.

* Plans, develops, and provides recreational activities for mental health patients; applies recreation therapy knowledge and techniques to the problems of mental disorder and retardation, drug abuse, and alcoholism.

* Assesses patient needs and determines appropriate recreational activities; evaluates the interests of the individual patients and assists and encourages them in selecting and participating in leisure-time activities.

* Arranges for patients to participate in community diversional and social activities; participates in planning treatment goals for specific patients.

* Observes and records patients' reactions; evaluates patient programs; participates in clinical conferences on patient evaluations.

* Develops and evaluates community-based recreational activities; prepares records and reports as needed.

OPTION I

License/Certificate: Possession of a Recreation Therapist Certificate issued by the California Board of Recreation and Park or Certification by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society or eligible for certificate with completed course work and internship awaiting board exam.

OPTION II

Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy;

OR

Possession of A Bachelor's degree in Recreation which includes 14 semester or 20 quarter units of courses from at least three of the following areas: Psychology, Sociology, Biological Sciences, Special Education, Therapeutic Recreation, Adaptive Physical Education and Creative Arts, Human Services.

Experience: Two years of experience planning, developing, and providing therapeutic recreational activities for individuals in a clinical, residential, or community-based setting.