Recreational Therapist

Title: Recreational Therapist

State Role Title: 49231

Hiring Range: $51,175 minimum, negotiable based on relevant years of experience

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Southern Va Mental Health Inst

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/svmhi/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Come Join our team of Therapists that makes a difference! $3,000 sign on bonus will be awarded to new hires to state service with a one-year written agreement required.

Exceptional State Benefits Include: 13 paid holidays, 12+ paid vacation days, 8 paid sick days and 4+ paid family personal days per year; Family Medical Leave, Short- and Long-term disability coverage; Low-cost, comprehensive Anthem or AETNA health insurance benefits; Group life and optional life insurance, and Flexible Reimbursement accounts.

Other state benefits include:
Referral Bonuses
Virginia 529 College Savings Plan may be available for this role
State Employee Discounts and More!

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental services support individuals by promoting recovery, self-determination, and wellness in all aspects of life. DBHDS operates 12 facilities: 8 behavioral health facilities for adults, a training center, a psychiatric facility for children and adolescents, a medical center, and a center for behavioral rehabilitation. State facilities provide highly structured, intensive services for individuals with mental illness, intellectual disability, or need substance use disorder services. DBHDS is committed to a life of possibilities for all Virginians. This position will work at Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute, a 72-bed Joint Commission accredited State Mental Health Facility, located in Danville, VA.

This position will:
Facilitate and co-facilitate Therapeutic Recreation services with adults 18 to 64 years of age who have serious mental illness.
Provide comprehensive programming that offers opportunities for social engagement, education and psychosocial skill building, wellness education, meaningful leisure experiences, self-directed recovery planning and community reintegration.
Plan and facilitate special events, evening, and weekend activities as needed.
Document on individuals’ attendance and progress according to hospital and departmental policy.
Serve as a member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team and provide information regarding individuals response to treatment and revise accordingly.
Conduct assessments and develop treatment interventions, collaborating with the treatment team.
Provide cross coverage as needed to all service areas.

This position requires:
Ability to develop, plan, organize and implement Therapeutic Recreation programs designed to promote psychological and physical health and well-being using principles of recovery and trauma informed care.
Proficient in verbal and written communication skills.
Awareness of safety and security procedures.
Ability to manage aggressive/assaultive individuals utilizing approved Therapeutic Options techniques.
Ability to plan and provide leisure/recreational programming on weekends, holidays, and evenings and be able to work irregular hours as assigned.
Ability to work effectively with various professional disciplines as a team member and consultant.
Ability to drive/operate and escort individuals by state cars, vans, and wheelchair equipped passenger van.
Ability to organize scheduling of tasks, to utilize the Millennium health record, to conduct quality assurance audits and prepare reports.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree (graduate/undergraduate) from an accredited school of Recreation Therapy is required with completed internships.
Eligibility for National Therapeutic Recreation Specialist certification, which will lead to CTRS status. Must be obtained within 12 months of employment.
Valid driver's license, which must remain in valid and in good standing throughout employment.

Additional Considerations

Work experience/internship experience dealing with various types of mental disorders.
Experience as a Recreational Therapist in a psychiatric, healthcare facility, acute care, long-term or correctional setting.
Veterans and people with National Service.
Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English.

Special Instructions

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