Recreation Therapy Specialist
Program Overview
Youth Villages’ Residential Treatment programs serve children with emotional and behavioral problems. Our residential campuses provide the setting for an intensive treatment program that combines the unique balance of structure and freedom. This enables children and their families to identify, understand and cope with their individual needs and develop the skills necessary to succeed in less restrictive settings. We have three different types of facilities—Intensive Residential Centers, Open Campuses, and Group Homes.
Position Overview
Are you looking for a change of pace? Do you enjoy working with children in a non-traditional setting? The Recreation Therapy position may be just what you are looking for. Our Recreation Therapists work with young people in a Residential setting to develop their abilities to interact with others in a team and increase their self-esteem. An ideal Recreation Therapist is creative, enthusiastic and can come up with new and innovative games and activities to keep the resident's engaged, all while building confidence in their abilities and promoting their teamwork skills. Recreation Therapist Specialists facilitate groups with the youth on a daily basis and coordinate additional activities for the campus.
Position Details
- Coordinates activities of recreation service personnel in a staff secured residential treatment facility for
- youth by performing the following duties. Other duties may be assigned.
- Manages student council and volunteer activities for youth involved.
- Oversees the use of canoeing and high ropes courses equipment and resident participation on
- applicable campus'.
- Develops and promotes recreation program, including music, dance, arts and crafts, cultural arts,
- nature study, swimming, social recreation and games, or camping. Promotes life skills training through
- therapeutic activities
- Adapts recreation programs to meet needs residents of agency.
- Promotes and coordinates participation in clubs and organizations as may be helpful to the
- development of individual children.
- Works in team with administrative or other professional personnel such as those engaged in medicine,
- social work, nursing, psychology, and therapy, to ensure that recreation is well balanced, coordinated,
- and integrated with special services.
- Ensures that relevant information is conveyed to treatment team members.
- Ensures that required notes and documentation are completed in a timely manner
- Maintains recreation equipment and consults with appropriate staff for replacement of depleted
- equipment.
- Oversees initial recreational assessment upon intake (within 14 days)
- Introduces and trains new program activities, equipment, and materials to staff.
Additional Information
The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking and standing and physical agility. May be required to run and climb flights of stairs. Must be able to participate in physical interventions with youth when necessary. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Will be required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR training.
Applicants are required to pass an agility and strength evaluation.
Applicants must have valid driver’s license.
**Ask about our $2,000 relocation assistance.**
Recreation Therapy Specialists work a flexible schedule and some weekends may be required.
Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy is required
CTRS certified is preferred
Experience working with at-risk youth a major plus
Experience working with youth is required
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Covid-19 Vaccine Requirement
As of October 15, 2021, Youth Villages has required the COVID-19 vaccine for all employees, excluding those with an approved medical or religious exemption, as a condition of employment to help ensure the safety of all employees and youth and families served.
Experience growth and development through our continuous training, as well as tuition and licensure reimbursement, or pursue opportunities to advance both clinically and administratively with Youth Villages.
Additional Benefits
Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
Retirement Savings Pension Plan
401(k)
2 weeks paid vacation
12 paid sick days per year
10 paid holidays
Parental Paid Leave
Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)