Recreational Therapy Director jobs in Savannah, GA

We are looking for a Director of Recreational Therapy to conduct patient programs in areas of social interaction, games, crafts, and music. Communicates the results of patient care to other health services. 

Benefit Highlights:

• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Competitive compensation, Paid Time Off
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
• 401(k) with company match and discounted stock plan

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues were $13.4 billion in 2022. During the year, UHS was again recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune; and listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 94,000 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located all over the U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. www.uhs.com

CTRS Certification in the state of Georgia  is required.

Physical Demands: Moderate to heavy. Satisfactory health, strength and stamina to meet the physical, mental and emotional demands and stressors that position requires: walking, running, standing, lifting, irregular working hours, and assisting with the restraint (Protective Holds/Escorts) of patients when necessary for the safety of the patient and others. It is the policy of the facility that physical participation in sports should be through coaching, teaching, demonstrating, motivating, role modeling and therapeutically observing. Physical participation is not considered in the course and scope of employment and is prohibited.

Essential Job Duties:

Performs Activity Therapy Assessment on assigned patients within 24 hours of admission and prior to the Master Treatment Planning session with consideration to age, mental, social and psychical status and to include discharge-planning needs.

Identifies patient’s ability to utilize leisure time in a healthy, productive manner.

Accurately and thoroughly documents assessment and patient activity using appropriate terminology.

Actively participates in the development of the Master Treatment Plan by presenting pertinent information and conclusions identified through the assessment and incorporating therapeutic interventions.

Develops realistic and measurable goals and desired outcomes incorporating patient and family goals, when appropriate.

Identifies and prioritizes objective, functional and observable therapeutic interventions based on assessment, identified issues and estimated length of stay.

Informs team of significant changes in patient’s status.

Participates in ongoing reassessment of the patient and incorporates changes in the treatment plan revisions at least every 7 to 10 days in accordance with program.

Completes progress notes indicating attainment of established goals.

Completes designated portion of multidisciplinary continuing care plan.

Provides care in a therapeutically effective manner demonstrating sound clinical and professional judgment and competency.

Designs programming and participates in the implementation of the treatment plan utilizing interventions appropriate to the developmental needs of the patient.

Assess milieu and maintains a safe, therapeutic environment for patients and staff.

Performs nonverbal therapeutic interventions through recreational, art, movement, music and psychodrama therapy, as appropriate.

Provides leisure education through scheduled therapeutic groups, individual sessions and as part of the continuing care plan.

Provides age appropriate experience utilizing creative modality and modeling behavioral, positive coping skills and constructive self-expression within a group format.

Safely uses and maintains supplies and equipment. Reports unsafe conditions within equipment or environment.      

Plans and coordinates special holiday activities. Administers seasonal décor for units.

Exhibits flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the patients and unit.

Demonstrates understanding of psychiatric emergency levels and effectively and safely responds to emergency situations in a calm, constructive and positive manner.

Utilizes effective communication skills in reporting pertinent information in a timely manner.

Annually review safety policies for your department to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies and hospital practice. Informs supervisor of current activities on the unit and reports unusual occurrences, incidents or other problems.

Represents the hospital in a manner that conveys a professional, courteous, caring, and cooperative attitude.

Is knowledgeable of Patient Rights and treats all patients with dignity and respect in a consistent, caring manner.

Understands need for and maintains appropriate confidentiality at all times when interacting with patients, families, visitors, referral sources and all other contacts.               

Transport residents to outings as needed. Follow transport guidelines (i.e. if you are taking male residents off campus, male staff must accommodate you, if you are taking female residents off campus, female staff must accommodate you. Make sure that you stay in staff to resident ratio while off campus.)

Assesses the needs of each patient and formulates appropriate treatment goals, along with objects to achieve the goals and documenting findings clearly.

Provides leisure time activities to patient on a weekly basis. Provides therapeutic recreation groups to patients.

Has knowledge of group process and co-facilitates groups effectively. Assists patients and staff in planning leisure activities.

Reports any and all suspected abuse to the Risk Manager and the appropriate Therapist.

Provides appropriate crises intervention by anticipating and responding quickly to escalating behaviors. Utilize verbal de-escalation techniques to address disruptive and/or dangerous behaviors.   When necessary as a last resort staff will utilize techniques taught in the Handle with Care training.

Use active listening skills and appropriate tone and volume of voice, while offering a variety of positive coping skills. Always provide positive reinforcements, maintaining appropriate boundaries and promoting a positive peer culture among residents. Staff will utilize tools in the TF-CBT tool box to help the resident regain control of their behaviors.

May perform other duties as assigned.

Demonstrate all Service Excellence Standards and Principles.