Recreation Therapist - CTRS

Brightwell Behavioral Health is a Joint Commission–accredited acute inpatient psychiatric hospital located in East Lansing, Michigan, and dedicated to serving Central Michigan’s adult population. We place a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, providing 24/7 referral and clinical liaison services, seamless admissions, and holistic treatment environments designed for safety and dignity.

If you are interested in joining an amazing group of people who are passionate about helping others during their inpatient psych journey, please keep reading!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is responsible for the provision of Activity Therapy services, including assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic activity interventions, and discharge leisure planning. The therapist utilizes individual and/or group activity interventions to promote positive changes in the patient’s behavior, such as cognitive, social, emotional, or physical. The therapist educates patients in healthy coping skills and provides them with leisure resources to support post-discharge leisure planning and involvement. Services are delivered according to current standards of practice.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited program
• Certification by National Certification Board (NCTRC)
• Experience in psychiatric setting (preferred)
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing; additional languages preferred

AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED AND AGE-SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGY:

• Adult Population: Age 18 and up
• Sufficient knowledge of Growth and Development to provide individualized therapy for specific age groups. The therapist must be able to adapt interventions and activities to meet the developmental needs of all patients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties set forth below describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a CTRS. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

• Establishes treatment goals and objectives to meet individual patient needs and determines the appropriate therapeutic recreation modality
• Evaluates each patient’s progress and the effectiveness of therapy, recording results on daily progress notes and adhering to documentation policies
• Develops and applies clinical skills by assessing patient’s level of functioning and observing participation in Activity Therapy (AT) sessions
• Attends treatment team conferences to exchange information and assist with treatment plans and progress summaries
• Records behaviorally stated problems and interventions pertinent to AT on the Master Treatment Plan (MTP) and discharge summaries in a timely manner
• Implements individual treatment plans using an interdisciplinary team approach
• Participates in developing new treatment programs based on changes in the mental health field
• Instructs patients in the proper use of equipment during therapy sessions
• Follows patient safety protocols during therapy and completes safety checklists as required
• Attends lectures, seminars, and in-services to stay updated on current trends in therapeutic recreation
• Provides in-services for staff as needed, based on expertise
• Sets therapeutic limits on patient behavior, identifies verbal and non-verbal cues for potential aggression, and applies de-escalation techniques when necessary
• Observes and acts upon safety issues for patients, especially related to sensory perceptual images such as illusions, delusions, or hallucinations
• Performs other duties as requested by the Activity Therapy Coordinator