Job Description

The Recreational Therapist supports the provision of distinctive and compassionate care to our patients. Implements and coordinates therapeutic activity programming for adult inpatient population. Evaluates and establishes individualized treatment plans and documents progress of patient progress towards goals and treatment in medical record. Actively and consistently contributes to department operations and communications, behaves in a manner consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Pipeline Health, upholding standards of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you) patient communication.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Essential Funcations:

• Plans and implements the assigned unit’s activity therapy program, including planning of daily events, special events, and providing in-service for other staff participating in the activity in the activity therapy program.
• Conducts activity therapy group sessions and individual sessions as needed, displaying good theoretical knowledge of group principles and good group techniques.
• Completes activity therapy evaluations and progress notes in a prescribed timeframe and high-quality fashion.
• Participates in multidisciplinary treatment staffing meetings.
• Displays good interviewing, assessment, and reporting skills.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Utilizes feedback regarding performance and uses supervision to improve performance.
• Acts as a member of the Referral Development Committee and effectively participates in the referral development process.
• Communicates effectively with families and outside agencies to promote referral development.
• Uses clear, concise, professional communication with coworkers, patients, all customers internal and external.
• Uses AIDET in interactions with patients and family members. Utilizes white boards for patient communication.
• Collaborates across disciplines to assist in coordination of patient care, including but not limited to patient transfer, discharge, referrals, and spiritual/psychosocial support needs.
• Acts with a sense of urgency when performing tasks.
• Basic unit/department maintenance such as keeping files, drawers, cabinets free from unnecessary clutter.
• Reports on any equipment and or environmental issues for repair.
• Abides by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.
• Utilizes SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) when communicating with oncoming shift, physician communication and giving report to ancillary or other nursing services.
• Speaks up to stop the line and escalates potential safety events if necessary.
• Completes and attends monthly training assigned.
• May float to other areas of the hospital as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Standards:

• Treats everyone as their customer; utilizes scripting and other tools to ensure consistency in customer service; Expresses recognition and shows appreciation to others; fully utilizes AIDET principles; responds quickly to handle requests, complaints, and questions; displays a positive attitude.
• Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, passion and care when interacting with patients, families, physicians, and hospital staff members.
• Using a lens of equity in all aspects of patient care delivery, education, and research to promote policies and practices to allow opportunities for all to thrive and reach their potential, embracing ingenuity to service our customers.

Communication/Knowledge:

• Wears nametag properly; follows dress code policy; answers phone correctly and promptly; is prepared for meetings; meets deadlines; does not participate in gossip; acts ethically and treats others with respect; respects customer’s and co-worker’s time; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and co-workers.

Collaboration/Teamwork:

• Attends staff meetings; follows HIPAA guidelines; follows patient rights policy; complies with the compliance program; demonstrates knowledge of role in a disaster; demonstrates knowledge of fire and fire drill procedures; working knowledge of hospital emergency codes; always utilizes standard precautions in the clinical setting; safely manages the environment of care by demonstrating a working knowledge of the requirements of the: Life Safety program, Utilities Management program, Hazardous Materials program, Emergency Preparedness program, Safety Management program, Medical Equipment Management program, Security Management program.

Experience:

• Minimum of six (6) months experience in acute psychiatric setting preferred.
• Minimum one (1) years’ experience in care for mental health patients in an acute inpatient setting preferred.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age group served on the unit.Critical thinking, service excellence and good interpersonal communication skills, ability to read/comprehend written instructions, strong organizational skills, ability to follow verbal instructions, and PC (computer) skills.
• A capacity to learn, synthesize, make critical judgments, work independently, place patients and families first, and collaborate with the team members who are recognized leaders within health care.