Recreational Therapist

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Rehabilitation Therapies seeks a Recreational Therapist to provide recreational therapy services as a multidisciplinary behavioral health team member within an acute hospital setting.
The therapist utilizes the recreational process or APIE of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation as an organizing framework for providing individualized care according to established principles and practices of Recreational Therapy.
Children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population receive treatment for mental illnesses through individual and group-based recreational therapy services.
Areas of service may include the inpatient adult and pediatric behavioral health units and the outpatient Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization Program.
Additional coverage may consist of medical patients in General Hospital.
The patient population served may be diagnosed with anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dementia, depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.
Duties to include but are not limited to: Provide quality patient care through evaluation, assessment, treatment planning, and implementation appropriate for patients with complex or specialized needs.
Establish therapeutic relationships with patients, patient’s natural support system, and multi-disciplinary team members.
Plan and implement individual and group activities in accordance with patients' individual treatment plans to help reduce or eliminate effects of illness or disability.
Facilitate individual and group activities, encouraging patient participation to assist with building and maintaining the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the patients.
Record timely and accurate information about patient's behavior and treatment progress within the electronic healthcare records system.
Maintain patient safety and security, identifies potential crisis situations, following standard precautions and procedures.
Participate in and facilitate divisional quality and process improvement activities.
Demonstrate the ability to work independently and maintain an interdisciplinary team focus.
Maintain knowledge of current evidence-based practices, trends, and developments in the field.
Plan and implement evidence-based practice related to recreational therapy and interventions utilized with patients.
Participate in the development of innovative clinical teaching activities to meet the learning needs of staff and students.
Perform special projects and tasks as assigned.
Collaboration and Embracing Diversity: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner while appreciating the unique contribution of individuals from varied cultures, race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
The department intends to hire for one position from either Recreational Therapist, requisition 23005518 or Senior Recreational Therapist, requisition 23005519, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate.
Please apply to the specific position for which you wish to be considered or both.
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center.
Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients.
Our mission is: Changing Medicine.
Changing Lives.
® Percent of Time: 100% Pay Grade: 5 https://hr.
uiowa.
edu/pay/pay-plans/seiu-pay-plan Classification: PD40 Activity Therapist Benefits Highlights: Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life, and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans Required Qualifications A minimum of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Recreational Therapy.
Entry-level experience in Recreational Therapy in a healthcare setting.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Current driver's license required if transporting patients and driving record complies with the UI Risk Management policy.
Licenses/Certifications Current Certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) is required by the time of hire Desirable Qualifications A minimum of 1 year of work experience providing inpatient recreational therapy services in a mental health setting, working with the geriatric population with anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dementia, depression, personality disorder, schizophrenia, or challenging behaviors such as verbal and physical aggression or self-harm.
Work experience with children and adolescents with emotional or behavioral disorders, or challenging behaviors such as verbal and physical aggression or self-harm.
Experience as a Certified Recreational Therapist with advanced understanding and skill in providing recreational therapy services to individuals with an intellectual disability.
Demonstrated the ability for tolerance in an active work environment with the potential for negative behaviors.
Knowledge of skills in the prevention of challenging behaviors and de-escalation.
Maintains attention to details and safety over an extended period and continually be aware of variations in changing situations.
Demonstrated experience with basic therapeutic skills, behavioral management, treatment of anxiety, depression, or pain.
Demonstrated leadership abilities.
Demonstrated experience as part of a multi-disciplinary medical team.
Job-related experience with a commitment to diversity in the work environment.
Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter (under submission relevant materials) that address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
For questions, contact Carol Seaman at carol-seaman@uiowa.
edu.