Recreational Therapy Aide

Job Code: 32000671
Salary Grade: MH01
Revision Date: 06/2018

Class Concept

The Recreational Therapy (RT) Aide is assigned to a state hospital, a developmental disability center, a neuro-medical center or an alcohol and drug abuse treatment center or other state agency and works under the direct supervision of a Recreational Therapy Assistant, Recreational Therapist, and/or Recreational Therapy Supervisor. Employees in this class assist Recreational Therapists and/or Recreational Therapy Assistants with implementation of clients' treatment plans by using interventions that are designed by Recreational Therapists and are based on physician orders. Some use of independent judgment is required, particularly with respect to patient safety. Employees may, under the direct line-of-sight supervision and based upon assessed competencies, assist Recreational Therapy Assistants, Recreational Therapists, and/or Recreational Therapy Supervisors with basic recreational therapy treatment interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy groups, exercise, weight training, relaxation training, or therapeutic outings, as an aspect of reintegration training; and may assist with the use of recreation/activity interventions designed to reach educational or treatment goals and outcomes. Employees escort, transport, and assist clients to and from treatment interventions and therapeutic and recreation activities. Duties include assisting clients during participation in treatment interventions and therapeutic activities. Employees may independently implement non-goal directed and voluntary recreation or leisure activity programs for clients to provide opportunities for diversion and to promote general health and well-being. Employees maintain and clean areas of activities; assist with infection control and provide and organize supplies and materials needed for activities. Employees discuss client responses/reactions to treatment interventions and participation in therapeutic activities and recreation with the Recreational Therapy Assistant, the Recreational Therapist, and/or the Recreational Therapy Supervisor.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of recreation and leisure activities.
• Knowledge, skill and ability to assist the Recreational Therapist or Recreational Therapy Assistant with implementation of treatment interventions selected for use with clients.
• Ability to report client responses, reactions, and behaviors through verbal communications.
• Ability to schedule and coordinate client recreational and leisure activities.
• Ability to work with a variety of clients (ages, mental competence, and physical capabilities).
• Ability to assist with the delivery of services in a group setting.
• Ability to assist professional staff and clients.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and one year of related healthcare experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.