Recreation Therapist Job Description

The Toolkit of Recreational Therapists

Recreational therapists use leisure activities as a primary intervention for addressing social, emotional, cognitive, and physical ailments. The purpose of their work is to help their clients bring about positive life change, so that their functioning is restored if at the very least repaired. The work of recreational therapists is just one part of a larger effort to rehabilitate.

Occupational and physical therapists, speech therapists, psychiatrists, and nursing staff are not the only recreational therapists who work in a team. Recreational therapists have a unique relationship with their clients. Recreational therapists work together as a team to take input from their clients and loved ones.

When designing intervention programs, therapists take each client's interests into account. The toolkit that recreational therapists have is unique and can bring about therapeutic change. Therapy animals, arts and crafts, music and dance, and other recreational therapists try to improve the well-being of their clients.

Assessment and treatment planning are important parts of the initial stage of recreational therapy. The best course of action for each patient is determined by the recreational therapists who work with clients, their family members, medical staff, and other human services workers. The assessment phase might include looking at medical records and test results, mental health evaluations, and considering input from stakeholders.

Once the assessment is complete, recreational therapists will begin structuring a treatment plan that will address the unique needs of the client. The primary clientele for recreational therapists are people that are aged, and that's why nursing homes and assisted living centers are popular. Employment settings like residential care facilities that specialize in treating disorders and substance abuse are common.

Recreational Therapists: A New Tool for Enhancing Function and Independence

A recreational therapist organizes treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses in order to improve their function and independence. They work with a wide range of clients, from geriatrics to mental health to addictions. Many recreational therapists work with physicians, surgeons, nurses, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or teachers.

A recreational therapist uses a wide range of techniques to improve their clients' needs. They work with the client and their family members to tailor therapy to their interests and lifestyles in order to develop skills, knowledge and behaviours for daily living and community involvement. People with depression, stress, and anxiety can be helped by recreational therapists.

They combine the concept of healthy living into their treatment to improve function and promote independence. Health care agencies can hire recreational therapists. There are increasing numbers of people employed in residential facilities, community mental health centers, adult day care programs, substance abuse centers, hospice care, community centres and in school systems.

Recreational Therapists: A Physician'S Companion

The recreational therapists plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities and crafts. May recommend appropriate recreational activity for a patient.

The recreational therapists plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities and arts and crafts. May recommend appropriate recreational activity for a patient.

They get information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients themselves to assess their capabilities, needs and interests. Therapy sessions are conducted on a daily basis by Recreational Therapists. They teach patient in activities and techniques that meet their physical and psychological needs.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Recreational Therapists prepare and submit reports and charts to the treatment team to reflect patients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression. They might develop a treatment plan based on needs assessment and patient interests. Some recreational therapists have a responsibility to encourage clients with special needs and circumstances to get involved in leisure activities such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and gardening.

Guidelines for the Ethical Practice of Recreational Therapy: A Training Manual

The recreational therapy personnel shall treat the people they serve in an ethical manner by making efforts to provide for their well-being by maximizing possible benefits and reducing possible harm. The recreational therapy personnel have an obligation to be loyal, faithful and meet commitments made to people receiving services. The recreational therapy personnel have a secondary obligation to their colleagues.

The recreational therapy personnel have a responsibility to maintain and improve their knowledge and demonstrate their current, competent practice to the people they serve. Personnel have an obligation to maintain their credentials. The Guidelines for the Ethical Practice of Recreational Therapy: A Training Manual is useful for recreational therapists and students in everyday practice, and takes the sometimes abstract concepts of ethics and makes them practical.

Recreational Therapists

A recreational therapist uses a process of assessment, intervention, planning, and evaluation to treat physical and mental disabilities. Setting attainable goals for patients, designing rehabilitation programs, and conducting therapy sessions are some of the responsibilities of a recreational therapist. A recreational therapist is responsible for creating a therapy plan, reporting on patients status, and helping patients perform activities.

They use a variety of techniques to improve their patients quality of life. A patient who is paralyzed one side can be taught how to swing a golf club. Patients with disabilities are helped by recreational therapists to involve them in the community.

If they meet the proper education and training requirements, entry-level recreational therapists can be employed with less than two years of experience. Senior-level recreational therapists need more than three years of experience. Candidates who have worked in different institutions can adapt to a new environment and work with patients with different disabilities.

Direct related experience is beneficial. A recreational therapist in a hospital should have experience working with children. Recreational Therapists are kind, gentle, and compassionate, since they provide support to patients who may sometimes be in pain or under emotional distress.

The Best Recreation Therapists

The best recreation therapists know how to heal and change lives. Those entering the field have a sense of the power of recreation. Why would they choose a different field?

A dentist that doesn't like teeth is like a recreation therapist that doesn't like recreation. Great Recreation Therapists realize the impact their programming has on their participants even during the most challenging days. Recreation Therapists see things that others don't.

They have a unique perspective on using recreation to improve lives. Recreation Therapists find new ways to use recreation for their participants' best interests when they develop therapeutic relationships with clients. Getting participants out of their comfort zones is a great way to address need areas.

Quality recreation programming reaches people in ways other disciplines don't. Being creative and adaptable could turn a bad moment into a good one. Great Recreation Therapists think on their feet from groups, outings, and individual therapy.

They handle challenges and changes in stride and use their best judgement to make sure their programming is in line with their clients' needs. Recreation Therapists have leadership roles. A strong leader is needed to be successful in facilitating groups, educating coworkers, and directing volunteers.

Recreational Therapists in the United States

The recreational therapists plan and oversee the programs for the disabled. They include a lot of different activities such as music, dance, sports, games, and arts and crafts. They can travel with their clients on field trips, even though they work indoors.

They must have special skills to keep their charges safe. Employers prefer to hire therapists with specific skills. Therapy must show compassion as clients and their families deal with painful and stress-inducing conditions.

They must communicate well, listen to client concerns, and speak persuasively when giving instructions. Leadership is important because therapists must plan activities and be able to carry them out efficiently, on schedule and within budget. Critical thinking helps professionals find solutions to problems and adapt activities to client abilities.

A bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation is required for recreational therapists to learn their skills. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification certified the programs. Their subjects include human anatomy, medical and psychiatric terminology, assessments, characteristics of illnesses and disabilities, and use of therapeutic devices, such as wheelchairs and cupholders.

The internship is necessary for the diploma because it gives the student hands-on experience in a field where they must interact with people. Oklahoma, North Carolina, Utah and New Hampshire all required recreational therapists to have a license. Most employers hire therapists who are certified because they have the skills that are up to industry standards.

Training Recreation Therapists

A recreational therapist uses sports, crafts, exercise and other fun activities to help people with disabilities and injuries recover, build muscles, fight off depression and increase mobility. Patients will become more active and develop their physical and emotional well-being when they do things that are enjoyable. The median income for recreational therapists was over $40,000 in 2010.

You need a bachelor's degree for most jobs, but an associate degree may help you get an entry-level position. Employers may require a master's or PhD in recreational therapy. You need to earn credentials from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification to get most jobs.

You can get a Certified Recreation Therapeutic Specialist designation after you have completed 480 hours of internship and passed an exam. In 2010 four states required a recreational therapist license. Basic medical terminology and the common medical and psychiatric terminology used by doctors will help you read reports and design treatment programs during your training in recreational therapy.

You can take courses about how to make a patient assessment, how to use technology in your treatment, and how to deal with disabilities. If you want to increase your value to a specific employer, you should continue your studies in a specialized area. You need to develop soft skills to be an effective therapist once you have the technical skills down.

A recreational therapist needs strong communication skills. You need to listen to patients to find the most effective therapy. You must listen to the doctors and psychiatrists who referred the patient.

The Role of Recreational Therapists in the Treatment and Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities

A recreational therapist is responsible for coordinating and planning recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities. Their work improves the physical, social and emotional well-being of their patients. Arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sport and games can help patients reduce their stress and anxiety.

People can get back into the community with recreational therapy that helps build confidence and socialize. The Bureau of labor statistics predicts that the employment of recreational therapists will grow faster than the average for all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median annual wage for recreational therapists was $48,220 in 2019.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than 77,970. The sessions that recreational therapists plan have a lot of control over them. The final say on decisions must be retained by clients, and this a key part of best practice for recreational therapists.

Many recreational therapists will travel from client to client. They will have little flexibility in how they plan their day. As recreational therapists must continue to develop their skills throughout their career, they will have a high sense of accomplishment and mastery for as long as they continue to work.

People will have a better quality of life if recreational therapists are included. When one of their patients improves their skills or confidence, recreational therapists will feel a sense of accomplishment. The job of recreational therapists is to help people with disabilities.

Recreational Therapists: Opportunities and Challenge

Over the decade, there are 1,900 openings for recreational therapists. Many openings are expected to be caused by the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire. They use interventions to help their patients.

A recreational therapist can help a patient who is paralyzed one side of his or her body by teaching them to use their functional side to do things that they wouldn't normally do. Children with cancer are often treated by therapists. Patients may be taught to stay active and form social relationships by using activities such as kayaking or a ropes course.

People with disabilities are helped by recreational therapists to integrate into the community. A patient who uses a wheelchair may be taught how to use public transportation by therapists. Patients who need help with social and cope skills may be helped by therapists.

A therapy dog can be used to help patients manage their depression. Therapists can work with doctors, surgeons, nurses, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, teachers, or occupational therapists. Recreation workers organize recreational activities for enjoyment, whereas recreational therapists organize activities for fun.

They use offices for planning and other administrative activities, but may travel with patients. Therapy can be provided in a clinical setting or in a community. Therapists can take their patients to the community recreation centers for sports and other outdoor activities.