RT Blog

Name:
Location: Indiana, United States

I became a Professor Emeritus after serving 29 years as a recreational therapy faculty member at Indiana University. I'm a long-time Hoosier, having grown up in Hanover, Indiana. My RT practitioner work was in psych/mental health. After completing my Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, my first faculty position was at the University of North Texas. RT has been a wonderful profession for me as I have had the opportunity to serve as an author and national leader.

Monday, December 31, 2012

Positions in Indiana

Meaningful Day Services, Inc. is seeking Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists for the following areas:


Indianapolis and surrounding areas: Full-time position; Seeking candidate interested in working towards full-time employment; Must be willing to work some evenings.

Kokomo/Lafayette: Part-time position; We are looking to start a new service area in Kokomo/Lafayette, so prefer candidates with a lot of professional experience.

Fort Wayne and surrounding areas: Part-time position; Seeking candidates interested in working towards full-time employment and those with horse experience that may assist with our Equine-Assisted Therapy program.

Meaningful Day Services is currently one of the largest Recreational Therapy Providers under the Medicaid Waiver in the state of Indiana. We have 16 CTRS's currently on staff serving different areas of the state! We serve individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. One of the greatest perks to this position is that our therapists manage their own caseloads and have a great deal of flexibility. They are able to work independently, yet still get a great deal of supports through supervision and trainings.

Our therapists, at full-time status, typically carry a caseload of 18-24 clients. Client's are seen weekly or biweekly depending on their needs and how much of their budget is allocated to Recreation Therapy. Therapists typically serve client's in the client's home or integrate therapy services in the community (parks, recreation centers, etc). Therapists complete assessments for each client, develop goals/objectives, and plan/implement treatment interventions. They also work with a team of professionals for each client, write progress reports and attend interdisciplinary meetings every 3 months.

Company Benefits:

Reimbursement for therapy activities/supplies; Company Sponsored CEU's; Medical Insurance; AFLAC; 401K; Moving cost assistance for out-of-state hires; Ongoing supports through mentoring/supervision; Travel pay; Holiday pay; Paid Time off.

To apply for this position, please visit our website at www.meaningfuldays.com, click on employment/resources to obtain our employment application. Please submit your application and resume to recreationaltherapy@meaningfuldays.net.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Position Opening in MA

From Sharon Nichols, CTRS/L via the ATRAnet:


Brand new center that just opened in Danvers, MA!


Area Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - Northeast Office (978) 247-5091 Mobile (603) 682-5794 Sharon.Nichols@Genesishcc.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Position Opening

STATE PROG ADMIN SUPV SR


$ 20.89-$ 30.28 hourly, $ 43,618-$ 63,225 annually
Date Posted: 12/21/2012
Closing Date: 01/03/2013

Hiring Agency: Human Services Dept
Division/Bureau: SOFS - St. Peter
Location: St. Peter

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Posting Number: 12DHS002123
Employment Conditions: Permanent, Full-time
Work Shift: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday-Friday
Travel Required: no

Job Grouping: General Administration
Classified Status: Classified

Job Description: This position will supervise the therapeutic recreation services which includes the functions of planning, organizing, directing and collaborating. This position will advance the profession of therapeutic recreation. This position will work collaboratively with Treatment Team Supervisors and Clinical Directors to ensure effective delivery of Therapeutic Recreation services.

Minimum Qualifications: KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

__a minimum of one year supervisory experience (e.g., Behavior Analyst Supervisor, Group Supervisor, Social Work Specialist Supervisor, etc.) in a forensic environment providing rehabilitation programming to clients committed as sexual psychopathic personalities, sexually dangerous persons, mentally ill and dangerous, or with developmental disabilities, who present a risk to public safety.

OR

__a minimum of eighteen months supervisory experience in a private sector hospital or clinical setting providing rehabilitation programming which encompasses rehab counseling, therapeutic recreation, or spiritual programming or client education;

OR

__a minimum of three years paraprofessional experience in a forensic environment providing rehabilitation programming to clients committed as sexual psychopathic personalities, sexually dangerous persons, mentally ill and dangerous, or with developmental disabilities, who present a risk to public safety. A Bachelor's degree with a major in Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Therapy, Recreation Therapy, or related field may be substituted for 6 months of experience at this level.

NOTES:

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

EDUCATION VERIFICATION-

Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS-

The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Preferred Qualifications: CTRS.

Selection Process: The selection process is a resume-based, skill-matching process. Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you.

If you have already submitted a resume to this database within the last 12 months that clearly identifies your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience, you do not need to submit another.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, veteran friendly employer. DHS is committed to ensuring culturally responsive services and recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential. To build a diverse workforce DHS strongly encourages individuals with disabilities, people of color, American Indians and veterans to apply.

How to Apply: Most State selection processes utilize a resume-based screening process. You will be contacted by agency staff if your background best matches the selection criteria on this job posting. To apply for this position, click the APPLY box found at the bottom of this job announcement. For additional information about the State?s selection process, go to .

Contact for More Information: Kristen Geissler, kristen.geissler@state.mn.us.
https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/JobPosting/b1d2ed5f3dd9bb2b181d37e62fd49764/View

Kristen Geissler, MS, CTRS
Rehabilitation Services Director
State Operated Forensic Services
St. Peter, MN 56082
507-985-2329

A Good Quote for Today

A good thought for today (with the blizzard conditions outside) is today's quote from disability.gov

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." Hal Borland

Saturday, December 22, 2012

PNWATRA Conference January 18th

The PNWATRA 2013 Annual Conference: "The Future of Recreational Therapy"
(.65 CEUs)

Friday, January 18, 2013
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital
1015 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

Rosa Parks Quote Applies fo RTs

Rosa Parks had it right when she said: "Each person must live their life as a model for others."
Certainly RTs need to be good models of behavior for their clients.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Annual in TR Call for Manuscripts

The Annual in Therapeutic RecreationVolume 22 has issued a Call for Manuscripts. The deadline for submission is March 15, 2013. If you have any questions, please contact Drs. Marieke Van Puymbroeck or Jennifer Piatt at the emails below.


Jennifer Piatt
jenpiatt@indiana.edu

Marieke Van Puymbroeck
mvp@indiana.edu

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Immediate Opening for CTRS/CCLS

Immediate opening for a dual certified CTRS and CCLS (Certified Child Life Specialist) at Voorhees Pediatric Facility Medical Day Center in Voorhees, NJ.  Two years experience preferred with infant/toddler age children.  Responsibilities include planning and providing therapeutic activities, treatment and documentation in a pediatric day care setting.  Must be a team player and enjoy a highly energetic environment. Email resume to Lauren Waite at lwaite@forkidcare.com

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Position Opening in FL

From Allyson Johnson Dedic:

Whitehall Boca Raton, a 154-bed skilled nursing & rehab facility in Boca Raton FL, currently has a full-time opening in its Therapeutic Recreation Department. The position will require some holidays, evenings, and weekends. Competitive salary and benefits. Please email your resume to careers@whitehallboca.com

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Disability.gov Quote of the Day

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." Michael Jordan

Monday, December 17, 2012

A Number of Openings at Colleges & Universities

Does it seem to you like their are a great many openings in RT at our colleges and universities? It does to me.

I may miss some, but if I recall correctly, there are faculty openings at BYU-Idaho, Virginia Wesleyan College, Oklahoma State University, Southern Mississippi, Grand Valley State, and recently an opening was announced at Sac State.

In addition, Indiana University has announced an opening for a lecturer. My guess is that the person filling the IU position would be someone working on a Ph.D.

Faculty Position Opening at Sac State

From Arlene Krause via ATRAnet comes this announcement:

Assistant/Associate Professor

California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, California
Position #148

Recreation Therapy

The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration, CSUS, is seeking applications for a probationary tenure track appointment to begin Fall 2013. Assistant/Associate Professor rank. Doctorate in Recreation and Leisure Studies or related field. Must be current CTRS. ABD considered but degree must be completed by August 1, 2015. (Applicants that have previously received tenure and promotion to Associate Professor at a CSU may be considered for the rank of Associate Professor based on the strength of their application materials.)

Teaching experience at the college or university level and participation in scholarly, professional and community activities preferred. Practical experience in recreation therapy preferred. Knowledge of recreation therapy required. Must be able to teach undergraduate courses in recreation therapy, teach general education courses in recreation, teach core courses in recreation, and supervise internships. Other assignments include teaching and developing undergraduate and graduate courses in area of specialization, academic advising, coordinate recreation therapy program, scholarly activities, service to the Department, College, University and Community.

Submit cover letter explaining interests and qualifications, copies of transcripts, a current curriculum vita, a scholarly writing sample, a statement of teaching and scholarly interests, and the names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three recent references to: Search Committee - Recreation Therapy, Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration, College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6110. Screening of applications to begin February 1, 2013. (Open until filled.) For detailed position information, please go to http://www.csus.edu/hr/faculty/HHS/index.htm .

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Goverment Data on Mental Illness

I just read a SAMHSA news release dated 11/27/2012 that indicated 20% of US adults had experienced mental illness in the past year.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Faculty Position Opening at OSU

Position Description::Tenure Track Assistant/Associate Professor
Oklahoma State University


• Doctoral degree with at least one degree in the area of Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy
• Potential candidates for the position must possess the appropriate credentials in the area of Therapeutic
Recreation the CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) and be willing to become a Licensed
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist within the State of Oklahoma (TRS/L)

• It is preferred that candidates for the position have 3 to 5 years of practical experience in Therapeutic Recreation practice

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the area of Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Management & Leisure Studies
• Involvement in appropriate professional service organizations desired
• Ability to demonstrate independent and collaborative scholarship/research/grant writing
• Solid foundation in the theory of the profession
• Position would involve teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and may include supervision of
internship experiences
• Successful candidate is expected to mentor/advise M.S. and Ph.D. students

The position is a nine-month position with summer funding possible. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will work as a member of a faculty team and be student-oriented in their teaching, service, and scholarship. Active and developing research and scholarship is a must. Interest in being a member of a research team, both within the unit as well as across disciplines is desirable. The successful candidate will demonstrate the potential to develop a strong service and scholarship reputation in the field. Duties include, teaching of theory classes and supervision of internship experiences available at the undergraduate,masters’ degree, and doctoral levels.

Responsibilities: Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Management and Leisure Studies programs. Teaching load will be a 2/2 load upon initial appointment, while a traditional teaching load is 3/2. Other duties may be assigned by the School Head.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Process: Screening of applications begins December 15th, 2012, and will continue until the position is filled. For more information about Oklahoma State University, you may wish to view the website http://osu.okstate.edu. Please submit via US mail, a letter of interest, vita, three current letters of recommendation, selected reprints/preprints, and transcripts of graduate work to:

Ms. Marta Kochenower
School of Applied Health and Educational Psychology
Oklahoma State University
434 Willard Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078-0001
Marta.Kochenower@okstate.edu

Position information contact:

Dr. Tim Passmore, Ed.D., CTRS
Email: tim.passmore@okstate.edu
Telephone – (405) 744-1811

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Faculty Position at Southern Miss

The University of Southern Mississippi invites applicants for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position as an assistant professor of recreation in the School of Human Performance and Recreation in the College of Health.

Position Description: This nine-month, entry-level tenure-track faculty position requires teaching undergraduate core courses in recreation and therapeutic recreation; developing a recreation administration emphasis including teaching recreation administration courses; and developing the recreation administration curriculum. Research, service and undergraduate student advisement are also expected. This position is based in Hattiesburg, Miss., and has a start date of August 15, 2013. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Mary Ann Aquadro, PhD, CTRS
University of Southern Mississippi
School of Human Performance and Recreation
118 College Drive #5142
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 266-5207


Disability.gov Quote of the Day

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on." Thomas Jefferson

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Call for Manuscripts


American Journal of Recreation Therapy is has issued a call for papers.

Position Openings in Oregon

I would like to pass on a job posting; Oregon State Hospital has three Rehabilitation Therapists positions open in our Forensic Services programs. A qualified candidate needs to be properly credentialed as a Recreational Therapist, Music Therapist, or Art Therapist to qualify. Please, pass on to anyone who might have an interest.


http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oregon/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=567495

Feel free to contact me with any question about the positions.

Cheers, Michael


Michael S. Ratliff, CTRS
Director of Therapeutic Recreation
2600 Center St NE B02-310 C-27
Salem, Oregon 97301-2682

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

See People Magazine Mailbag Letter on RT

Just read a reminder on Facebook from Danny Pettry. He reminded us that  People Magazine (December 17th issue) featured a mailbag letter about a recreational therapist who recently graduated with a master’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Clemson University. If you want to get a copy of this magazine, it is the new one with Prince William and Kate on the cover.

Saturday, December 08, 2012

Disability.gov Quote of the Day

Thursday, December 06, 2012

Faculty Opening at Grand Valley State

Grand Valley State University is pleased to announce a 9 month tenure track position at the assistant/associate level for Fall 2013.


This tenure track position would be joining a TR faculty consisting of two other full time regular faculty and one clinical affiliate faculty member whose primary responsibility is placement coordination. The TR program is a secondary admit program with currently 103 admitted majors and 30 pre-majors.

The TR program is in the College of Health Professions (CHP) which has programs in Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology, Radiological Imaging Sciences and Medical Laboratory Sciences. The College of Nursing is also located in the building. The CHP is physically located in downtown Grand Rapids in the medical complex area known as the “Medical Mile”. This location gives the faculty and students varied opportunities for collaboration with clinical placements and service learning opportunities.
Teresa M. Beck, PhD, CTRS
Chair, Department of Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Sciences
Cook – Devos Center for Health Sciences
301 Michigan Street NE; Suite 249
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-331-2735

TRJ Call for Papers on RT Education

Therapeutic Recreation Journal

Call for Papers - Special Issue on the Future of Recreational Therapy/Therapeutic Recreation Education

As recreational therapy and therapeutic recreation (RT/TR) evolve, there is a need to reflect, evaluate, and advance professional preparation systems and methods that support the formation of competent, caring, and capable practitioners to lead the profession into the future. Over the past 40 years, TRJ has shared how various educational trends and issues such as student enrollment, faculty composition, administrative support, funding, curriculum, and program characteristics have changed and challenged the profession (see Anderson, Ashton-Shaeffer & Autry, 2000; Anderson & Stewart, 1980; Autry, Anderson, & Sklar, 2010; Stewart & Anderson, 1990). Additionally, studies exploring accreditation, certification, licensure, internships, graduation, and employment have been described and discussed in TRJ (Stumbo & Carter, 1999a, 1999b; Stumbo, Carter, & Kim 2004a, 2004b; Stumbo, Carter, & Folkerth, 2007).

As our profession addresses the changes and challenges during the 21st century, it is important that research and scholarly work continue to explore and address the preparation of future RT/TR professionals within dynamic educational systems where they are prepared. Stumbo and Keller (2005) identified overarching forces to consider as educational systems are explored: financing, faculty productivity and accountability related to institutional mission, diversity of students, student learning outcomes and assessments, advancements in technology, and fluid leadership and legislative mandates. What is needed for the future within RT/TR academic programs to thrive and survive as well as to prepare professionals who are positioned to sustain and advance the practice? Please help shape the future of RT/TR education by sharing your work.

Prospective authors are encouraged to submit conceptual papers and/or original research. Topics may include but are not limited to the following:
• Issues related to accreditation, certification, licensure
• Recruitment, retention, and placement
• Student learning outcomes and competencies along with assessments
• Curriculum redesign to include critical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving
• Pedagogy, innovation, quality assurance
• Influences of technology on teaching and learning
• Faculty and institutions of higher education expectations
• Alternative delivery and professional preparation models
• Issues of diversity and globalization
• Service learning and civic engagement

The deadline for submission is May 15, 2013. Submission will undergo a standard double-blind review process. Submit manuscripts electronically to the TRJ data management system of Sagamore Publishing http://js.sagamorepub.com/trj . Publication of the issue is expected to occur in late 2013. Manuscripts should follow the TRJ guidelines for contributors.
Questions should be directed to the TRJ Editor:
Marcia Jean Carter, Re.D.
Therapeutic Recreation Journal Editor
Western Illinois University
3561 60th Street
Moline, IL 61265
mj-carter2@wiu.edu
(309) 762-9481 ext 62322

Journal's Website:
http://js.sagamorepub.com/trj

Submission Information:
http://js.sagamorepub.com/trj/about/submissions#onlineSubmissions

References:
Anderson, S. C., Ashton-Shaeffer, C., & Autry, C. E. (2000). Therapeutic recreation education: 1999 survey. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 34 (4), 335-347.

Anderson, S. C., & Stewart, M. W. (1980). Therapeutic recreation education: 1979 survey. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 14(3), 4-10.

Autry, C.E., Anderson, S.C., & Sklar, S. L. (2010). Therapeutic recreation education: 2009 survey. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 44(3), 161-181.

Stein, T. (1970). Therapeutic recreation: 1969 survey. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 4(2), 4-7.

Stewart, M. W., & Anderson, S. C. (1990). Therapeutic recreation education: 1989 survey. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 24(3), 9-19.

Stumbo, N. J., & Carter, M. J. (1999a). National therapeutic recreation curriculum study part A: Accreditation, curriculum and internship characteristics. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 33(1), 46-60.

Stumbo, N. J., & Carter, M. J. (1999b). National therapeutic recreation curriculum study part B: University, faculty, student, and placement characteristics. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 33(3), 241-250.

Stumbo, N.J., Carter, M.J., & Kim, J. (2004a). 2003 national therapeutic recreation curriculum study part A: Accreditation, curriculum and internship characteristics. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 38(1), 32-52.

Stumbo, N.J., Carter, M.J., & Kim, J. (2004). 2003 national therapeutic recreation curriculum study part B: University, faculty, student, and placement characteristics. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 38(1), 53-71.

Stumbo, N.J., Carter, M.J., & Folkerth, J.E. (2007). Investigation of graduate therapeutic recreation curricula in the United States. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 6(2), 19-31.

Stumbo, N. J., & Keller, M.J. (2005). Higher education influences and trends. Paper presented at the 2005 Therapeutic Recreation Educator’s Conference. Chicago, IL.

Sunday, December 02, 2012

Call for Papers for Slippery Rock Workshop

From Professor Colleen Cooke of Slippery Rock University:
This is an INFORMAL Call for Papers:
I'm putting feelers out for folks who may have an interest in presenting at the Slippery Rock University Annual TR Club Workshop. I don't have the exact date yet, but it will likely be in the first week of April, 2013.

If you are interested, please send me an email with the title of your proposed session, a brief description, 3 to 5 detailed learning objectives, the estimated amount of time you need (most sessions are 1 hr.), and any AV/equipment needs you have. Please also include a resume and names and phone numbers of two references.

Understand that since this is our TR Club's primary fundraiser, we are unable to provide an honorarium or stipend (unless you are a keynote presenter); however, you will be making a grand investment into our profession and its future if you are willing and able to join us.



Many thanks, in advance. Please call or email me with questions: colleen.cooke@sru.edu 724-738-2601

Saturday, December 01, 2012

DSM-5 Wins APA Board Approval

The American Psychiatric Association’s board of trustees has approved the fifth edition of its influential diagnostic manual, dubbed DSM-5, the group announced Saturday.

25th World AIDS Day

On Saturday, December 1, people around the globe who come together to recognize the 25th World AIDS Day

Disability.gov Quote of the Day

Lou Holtz