Recreation/Recreational Therapist
Swedish Covenant Hospital
Chicago, IL
Sign-On Bonus

Recreational Therapist

JOB SUMMARY Evaluates and treats patients. Provides community resources to the patients. Develops a variety of therapeutic recreation programs for the patients. Responsible for patient and family education as well as timely and accurate documentation and ongoing communication with physicians and other healthcare professionals. RESPONSIBILITIES Essential Functions * Demonstrates a commitment to the mission of Swedish Hospital and demonstrates a service orientation. Adheres to all responsibilities and standards of the Hospital. * Responsible for developing a variety of therapeutic recreation programs which will enhance the milieu and meet the identified emotional, social, physical and recreational needs of the patient population served. * Performs leisure assessments and other pertinent evaluations on patients referred by a physician. * Maintains timely and complete documentation in accordance with department policy. Keeps timely and accurate records of patient charges. * Interfaces with members of the medical staff and other members of the healthcare team. Is responsible for assuring good communication, problem-solving and follow-up to identified needs and concerns of other team members. * Supervises Activity Aides in the treatment of patients. Supervises, organizes clinical experiences for Recreational Therapy students. * Interacts with patients and family members encouraging ongoing joint goal-setting and providing ongoing feedback of patient progress, status and prognosis. Provides education regarding diagnosis and treatment alternatives as needed. Recognizes the need for and makes appropriate referrals to interdisciplinary personnel and community resources. * Represents the Recreational Therapy Department at conferences and meetings within the hospital. Participates in patient education and support programs. * Participates in inservice and on-the-job training of co-workers, hospital personnel and community as requested. * Participates in program development and Performance/Quality Improvement initiatives. * Continues own professional education through attendance at professional meetings, conventions and courses outside the hospital, by reviewing current literature and by attending hospital conferences, meetings and in-service training programs. * Participates in patient scheduling, entering charges, peer review and program coordination efforts as requested by the Clinical Supervisor or Senior OT. Helps to maintain treatment area in safe, clean and orderly condition. Attends to status of equipment and supplies in clinic, reporting need for ordering as well as maintenance to OT or RT in charge of that area. * Maintains productivity. PATIENT CARE/AGE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS Recognizes needs and behaviors of a variety of disability, age and ethnic groups and is able to tailor programs appropriately. Understands the normal aging process. QUALIFICATIONS/BASIC JOB REQUIREMENTS * Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy from an accredited University * No experience required * Good communication skills: good ability to speak, understand, read and write English * Good team player, sound judgement, patient-focused work ethic * Good organizational and time-management skills LICENSE/CERTIFICATION * National Council of Therapeutic Recreational certification or eligible INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS * Other hospital personnel * Visitors * Patients * Physicians * Staff and students at Occupational Therapy Schools * Representatives of community resource organizations and patient supply companies ENVIRONMENT * Sitting: 15% Standing/Walking: 85% * Frequently involved in transferring patients. Minimal other regular lifting, carrying or moving of objects. * Repetitive tasks include word-processing and typing approximately 0-5% of time. * Exposed to blood/body fluids and airborne disease during direct patient care. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.