Recreation Therapist

Employment Type:

Shift:

Description:

RECREATION THERAPIST

Location: Mercy LIFE Norristown, Norristown, PA

Status: Full time

Shift: Mon to Fri, 8 am to 430 pm, no nights/weekends/on call/holiday shifts

Incentives: 1st Day Health Insurance Benefits

Position Purpose:

The primary purpose of this position is to plan, develop, and implement appropriate therapeutic recreational activities for all participants, including those with Alzheimer's and other related Dementia. Provide direction and support to recreation assistant and other staff members as appropriate; and is responsible for quality improvement within the recreation department.

This position will mainly serve the clinic in Norristown. However, it will also provide services at 2 other locations as needed - religious communities of Mercy LIFE McAuley in Merion Station and The Villa - Sisters of St Joseph in Flourtown.

Position includes mileage reimbursement.

What you will do:

• Manages the daily operations of the recreational therapy department including but not limited to staffing and staff assignments, initial recreational therapy assessments and reassessments, and referrals to other providers.

• Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) and in initial, semi-annual, unscheduled, annual assessments and reassessments.

• Plan and implement group and individual treatments to improve or maintain the participants' cognitive, physical, social, psychosocial, and artistic needs which includes coordinating services with the center manager/director, transportation, dietary, maintenance, nursing, and rehabilitation staff, as needed.

• Plan and prepare activities for dementia-specific population; oversee daily flow of quiet room activities area, coordinating aspects of personal care with para-professional staff assigned to work on dementia-specific programs; and provide on-going support to all staff involved in dementia-specific programming related to the dementia disease process.

• Assume the lead role in quality assessment and performance improvement related activities.

• Lead the activities department in development of discipline-specific standards of care.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy related field or NCCAP Activity Professionals Certification.

• Minimum of two (2) years demonstrated experience in activities/therapeutic recreation related services with geriatric population.

• Minimum of one (1) year documented experience working with a frail or elderly population or if less than one (1) year of experience, must receive appropriate training from the PACE organization on working with a frail or elderly population upon hiring.

• Must manage conflict well, be customer focused and be able to adapt to ongoing change with regard to work priorities and be flexible with work priorities.

• Demonstrates superior written/verbal communication skills appropriate for audience comprehension and ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups representing diverse perspectives.

• Proficiency with Microsoft product suite (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.); basic knowledge and experience with electronic mail and calendaring system. Ability to use other software as required to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Position may require 10% travel within the Centers geographic region.

• Position requires ability to engage in frequent kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting, sitting, walking, bending and lifting. Must be able to push, pull, move and or lift a minimum of 20 pounds if applicable.

Position Highlights and Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefit packages available, including 1st Day medical coverage, dental, vision, paid time off, 403B and educational assistance.

• Access to wages earned daily through Daily Pay.

• Ability to earn incentives through our Employee Referral program.

• Warm and supportive environment with a truly patient-centered focus.

• Comprehensive Orientation and professional development opportunities

Ministry/Facility Information

Mercy LIFE Norristown is a part of Trinity Health PACE. Trinity Health PACE programs are nationally recognized for providing high quality, comprehensive care in the communities we serve. We are one of the largest PACE providers in the country and a part of Trinity Health, which is one of the largest not for profit, faith-based health care systems in the nation.

Trinity Health PACE programs offer continuous, quality care to the elderly, allowing them the independence of living at home. Seniors who qualify for nursing home care alternatively have the option to receive comprehensive care from an interdisciplinary team of experts, all focused on improving participants’ health.

At our centers, seniors receive clinical and rehabilitation therapy and build relationships with doctors, nurses and fellow participants – all under one roof.

We serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.

Our core values: Reverence, Commitment to Those Who are Poor, Safety, Justice, Stewardship, Integrity

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.