Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

At Houston Methodist, the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist position is responsible for the evaluation and treatment of patients in the inpatient or acute care setting. This position completes a comprehensive assessment, sets goals, develops treatment plans, and adheres to patient care and documentation timelines that maintain the above stated.

Non-exempt

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in Therapeutic Recreation

• One year experience in a therapeutic recreational program in a health care setting

• RECTH license or CTRS certification

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA)

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills (written and verbal communication, ability to deal with challenging situations, etc.)
• Ability to provide a supportive and engaging environment that enhances the quality of life for patients
• Knowledge and experience of engaging with long-term care patients
• Exhibits excellent delivery of customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers; demonstrates ability to establish and maintain highly effective professional relationships with physicians
• Demonstrates excellent time/project management skills and ability to effectively coordinate efforts and outcomes for the assigned area
• Ability to work independently
• Capable of handling challenging/difficult therapy procedures and patient care situations; demonstrates sound judgment
• Experience in a team focused work setting

• Actively participates in patient care conferences and the discharge planning process, e.g. team conferences, equipment recommendation, consulting with Case Manager, etc. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Functions as a mentor for effective communication skills, assisting in team members’ development of such skills. Facilitates open, professional, communication to achieve mutual understanding, role modeling by example. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional.
• Works well with others and facilitates problem resolution. Role models fair and consistent skills, interacts with peers, staff and visitors in a supportive and respectful manner. Initiates contributions, through peer-to-peer accountability, towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement.

• Performs comprehensive patient evaluations, sets appropriate patient goals, develops effective treatment plans, and adheres to patient care and documentation timelines and guidelines per department policy and procedure. Consistently evaluates the patient's comprehension and adapts teaching methods accordingly.
• Establishes and maintains professional relationships, trust and credibility with all on the interprofessional healthcare team, serving as clinical resource for routine matters with physicians for the service area and/or specialty. Serves as resource to…