Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Job Description

A Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

A therapeutic recreation specialist works with patients who have a variety of physical and mental problems. A therapist works to restore independence and self-management to clients through a series of exercises. The therapeutic recreation specialist works with clients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health centers, and in private practice.

Referrals from a social worker or a psychiatrist are the most common way clients come. A medical services team has most therapeutic recreation specialists on it. A review of the patient history, discussion with the primary care physician of the issues that need to be addressed, and a brief meeting with the client are the first things that a new client will be asked to do.

A recreation specialist reviews patient interests, hobbies or skills and builds on them to develop a therapy program. A therapist might teach a stroke victim how to fish. The activity can be completed with the functional side and then expanded to the side affected with the paralysis.

The Treatment Plans of a Patient

The patient treatment plans are developed by therapeutic recreation specialists. The therapeutic recreation specialist considers many factors when developing a treatment plan, including mobility, mental and social capabilities, pain levels, and desired outcomes. The therapeutic recreation specialist reviews the treatment plan with the patient before therapy begins.

To support patient outcomes, therapeutic recreation specialists may need to change their treatment plans or introduce new therapies. A patient working on social or behavior skills may need tailored outings to get more comfortable in public settings, while a therapeutic recreation specialist who determines that a patient is suffering from depression or anxiety may need to refer them to a psychiatrist or counselor. While an associate degree is good for therapeutic recreation specialists, most care facilities prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in a field like recreation and leisure studies.

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.

Therapeutic recreation specialists: Experience and skills

Therapeutic recreation specialists use recreational activities to treat people with chronic disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. A third of the people employed by state, local, and private hospitals are employed in nursing care facilities. Rehabilitation centers, park and recreation departments, and special education are some of the common places to work.

They work full-time, but about 20 percent have part-time schedules. The work is done indoors. The most important skill for therapeutic recreation specialists is compassion.

They need to be able to relate to the patient and his family so they can deal with stress. They must be patient to listen to an individual who is having trouble communicating and to spend more time with him when necessary. They need critical-thinking skills to find solutions.

They must show leadership for planning and implementing activities, and speak with authority and accuracy to a patient, his family, and his doctor. Potential recreation specialists can start out in leading groups of people, even before they enter college. They can organize groups to perform large-scale activities such as car washes to raise funds for the football team.

They can find out about the healthcare side of the profession by volunteering at a senior-citizen center, an old folks' home, or a hospital. They can gain experience working with patients with a wide range of medical conditions. It is a good idea to plan recreational activities in such settings.

Degrees in Therapeutic Recreation

The doors of employment are open to anyone with a degree in therapeutic recreation. The graduates of therapeutic recreation have a lot of desirable skills, including knowledge of group facilitation techniques, ability to work with vulnerable populations, and strongInterpersonal skills. If you are looking for a job, or just need a change of scenery, you can learn about 14 jobs you can get with a therapeutic recreation degree.

You can work in many environments when you are looking for recreation therapist jobs. If you are willing to change up your game and work in different settings, the opportunities will continue to expand. Practice supervisors have a lot of knowledge of the discipline.

They are the clinical resource and responsible for the planning, development, and facilitation of professional development for all recreation therapy staff. The Employee Health and Wellness coordinators are in charge of encouraging employees to take care of their health. With their knowledge of health and well being, therapeutic recreation grads can use the same approach with a wider audience.

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.