Recreational Activities Specl

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for planning, organizing, directing and conducting client therapy programs and instruct or supervise clients in recreational activities as part of a therapeutic psychiatric or medical treatment program.

Typical Functions

• Plans and implements therapeutic recreational programs and activities for an assigned caseload of patients.
• Conducts interviews, tests and other procedures to evaluate the patient’s needs, attitudes, interests and abilities.
• Develops a therapeutic intervention plan based on observations, tests and other information, evaluates patient’s participation in program activities and progress towards established goals and objectives and documents response to various treatments and activities.
• Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team that consults with other health care professionals in determining a total treatment plan and recommends changes based on individual observations and evaluations.
• Assists in developing protocols, treatment guidelines, education materials and specialized programs for patients.
• Serves as a community resource on recreational therapy and related health care issues.
• Conducts various therapeutic recreation programs for clients' families and groups, including but not limited to outdoor adventure/wilderness programs (ropes courses, rock climbing, rappelling, backpacking, wilderness camping and canoeing), physical activity programs (sports, group games, dancing), creative expressive programs (dramatics, music, arts and crafts) and special events and programs.
• Works intensively with groups and individual clients as part of their treatment program, coaching and supervising them in active sports, group games, dancing, dramatics and related activities; and participates, if necessary, to encourage participation.
  
  

Level Descriptor

This is the basic level where incumbents perform beginning level professional work to build their skills in planning and conducting recreational therapy programs.

Education And Experience

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy, outdoor recreation, physical education or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Competencies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques and equipment used in recreational therapy; of outdoor adventure/wilderness recreational activities; of the goals of recreational therapy and its interrelationship with other treatment programs; and of the causes of abnormal behavior and behavior modification techniques. Ability is required to supervise and plan various types of recreational activities; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to exercise initiative and independent judgment; and to work with mentally ill or physically handicapped clients.

Special Requirements

Upon appointment, incumbents designated by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall complete certification in one of the following required Departmental sponsored training in case management: Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager – Adult; Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager – Child, Adolescent and Family; or Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager – Dual Certification. ## Some positions may require specific education and/or certification as determined by the employing agency.Some agencies may have determined positions in this job family to be safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S.

• 427.8.