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.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

RT Opening in Montana

From Beth Eastman: Thought I would post this as it would be a great opportunity for a CTRS (BS or MS level) to relocate out to beautiful Montana! This position is one that I work closely with and would love to see a CTRS apply. My information is below if you have questions. The posting is at www.mt.gov It closes on July 11. Position Title: Treatment Services Manager *Applications must be received by Midnight Mountain Time on the closing date. Listing Number:13262-14AB For more information contact: State Agency: Public Health and Human Services Montana State Hospital P.O Box 300 Warm Springs, MT 59759 Phone:(406)693-7034 Fax:(406)693-7059 TTY:(406)932-7022 E-mail:tthun@mt.gov Position Number(s): 69132880 Location(s): Warm Springs Job Status: Full-Time Permanent Shift: Daytime Date Posted: 6/20/2014 Closing Date: 7/11/2014 Department: Public Health and Human Services Division: AMDD Bureau: Montana State Hospital Band/Grade: 7 Salary: $27.18 - $33.98 Special Information: Montana State Hospital provides innovative mental health services including quality psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation services for adults with severe mental illness. The Hospital is located in the Deer Lodge Valley between Butte and Missoula. This location is ideal for individuals or families seeking to locate in a smaller community with good schools. Easy access to local airports and the interstate freeway system make travel convenient. Nearby outdoor recreation opportunities abound. Duties: This position is responsible for organizing and managing a comprehensive mental health treatment program at Montana State Hospital in accordance with standards and regulations for providing inpatient psychiatric care. The position will develop and manage a core curriculum of evidenced based treatment activities for patients and ensure continuity of care on and off units based on each patients individualized treatment plan. This position will also provide direction, coordination, and leadership for an assigned team of professionals providing active patient treatment functions. Functions: Plans, implements, and evaluates evidence based treatment activities in accordance with department and division guidelines, state and federal statutes, licensure and accreditation standards, and current standards of public behavioral health practice. Provides programmatic, operation, staffing input into the decision making process related to operation of the Treatment Program under guidelines provided by the Hospital Administration. Competencies: Knowledge of treatment/rehabilitation techniques and modalities currently being utilized to treat adults with major psychiatric illness within a public inpatient behavioral health setting. Computer skills including the ability to utilize current word-processing, spreadsheet and relational database software. • Organize and prioritize multiple work tasks; • Effectively delegate work tasks to others; • Analyze, assemble and complete information for important reports, special studies, surveys, grants, and legal documents; • Implement and evaluate practical treatment strategies/modalities for the population served; • Give and follow written and oral instructions; • Perform accurate and thorough work under both routine and stressful circumstances; • Effectively supervise, evaluate, and discipline staff while promoting healthy professional growth; • Maintain effective working relationships with members of the multi-disciplinary treatment team; • Use sound judgment when making decisions in emergency situations; • Act decisively and independently within established guidelines; • Deal constructively with criticism. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Preference will be provided for candidates holding a Masters degree in Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Rehabilitation Therapy or closely related health care field (counsling, etc.) from an accredited institution of higher learning. Registered Nurses holding an Associate Degree or higher or an appropriately licensed/certified healthcare professional who hold a bachelor’s degree and who can demonstrate substantial experience providing patient services and supervising other staff on a multi-disciplinary team (example: Occupational Therapy; Recreation Therapy; Social Work) shall be given consideration. Preference will be assigned to a candidate with a minimum of four years experience as a manager/supervisor in a psychiatric setting or public mental health system with work assignments including management of a clinical area and supervision of staff (A combination of education and work experience may be considered). Must be certified, or eligible within six months of employment for certification, as a Mental Health Professional Person (either full or facility level acceptable). Supplemental Questions: None Required Additional Materials Required: 1. Cover Letter 2 Resume Beth Eastman, CTRS Rehabilitation Department Manager Montana State Hospital PO Box 300 Warm Springs, MT 59756 406-693-7145 eeastman@mt.gov

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Faculty Position at Western Washington University

Assistant Professor of Recreation/Therapeutic Recreation About the Position: Assistant Professor of Recreation in the area of Therapeutic Recreation. Full-time tenure-track position beginning September 2015. About the College/Department: The PEHR Department, located within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, has a full-time faculty of 15, and offers five degree programs including a B.A. in Recreation, B.S. in Community Health, B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science, B.A. in Education in Physical Education and Health, and a M.S. degree in Human Movement and Performance. The Department is one of the oldest and largest professional programs at Western Washington University. The University and Department are committed to diversity as a fundamental value and strive to achieve it by recruiting and retaining a diverse campus community. Program: The Recreation Program is accredited by the Council on Parks, Recreation, and Tourism and has received commendation for its unique cohort curriculum that stresses active learning and strong student-faculty relations. The program provides course work and faculty advising that meets requirements for eligibility to sit for the NCTRC exam, with exam pass rates far exceeding the national average. In addition to its philosophy of professional study based in principles of social justice and liberal education, the Recreation Program features an innovative phased curriculum. "The Phase" is a four-part sequence of courses which students typically enter in the spring of their sophomore year and finish the fall of their senior year. Approximately 60 students enter and complete the four blocks of phases together as a community of learners. For more information about the Recreation Program please visit http://www.wwu.edu/pehr/Recreation/index.shtml. Position Responsibilities: Teach courses in the Therapeutic Recreation concentration (Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation; Therapeutic Recreation Program Design; Therapeutic Recreation Principles, Practices, and Techniques; and Therapeutic Recreation Trends and Issues). Teach core courses in the curriculum (e.g., senior capstone, foundations, evaluation). Develop and conduct program of research in Therapeutic Recreation. Seek internal and external funding. Provide service to the program, department, university, community, and profession. Supervise interns. Advise undergraduate majors and assist Therapeutic Recreation advisees with National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) standards. Participate in regular student retreats and fieldtrips. Provide program leadership and contribute to planning program activities. Required Qualifications: • Earned doctorate in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation or a closely related field by date of appointment • Demonstrated success teaching courses in Therapeutic Recreation and the core curriculum • Evidence of an established area of research related to Therapeutic Recreation • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including colleagues and students • Certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) by date of appointment Preferred Qualifications: • Experience in facilitating service learning and supervising professional internships • Evidence of administrative experience and the capacity to provide overall program leadership • Experience in curriculum development • Demonstrated experience in seeking internal and external funding Application Instructions and Requested Documents: Please submit your application via WWU’s Electronic Application System for Employment (EASE). (see: http://www.wwu.edu/hr/employment/docs/infoforapplicants/InstructionsforApplyingOnline.pdf You will need to use Internet Explorer to fully utilize the online application system. A cover letter specifically addressing the qualifications, vita or resume, and graduate transcript copies are required. Additionally, please have three letters of reference sent directly to Sue Hutchings, Search Coordinator, via mail or email (contact information below). Other Information: Inquiries about the position may be made to: Sue Hutchings, PEHR Department, Western Washington University, Carver 102 - MS 9067, 516 High Street Bellingham, WA 98225-9067, Sue.Hutchings@wwu.edu. Job Posted: 6/12/2014 Keith C. Russell, Ph.D. | Professor and Coordinator Recreation Degree Program College of Humanities & Social Sciences Western Washington University | T: 360.650.3529 | F: 360.650.7447

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Position Opening in Masonic Homes of CA

MANAGER OF ACTIVE LIVING _____________________________________________________________________________ JOB CULTURE The Masonic Homes of California are committed to a culture of Leadership. Our culture is to provide superior service to members, residents and staff through a sound and progressive model of service and care which aligns our mission, vision and operations. We demonstrate excellence in core services and place value on high quality job performance, professional development, effective time management, budget management, workplace safety and resident/employee satisfaction. We are dedicated to disciplined innovation and continuous quality improvement -- we are a learning company. We are committed to sharing our knowledge and being an organization that attracts the best and brightest talent. We are team-oriented, caring and honest. JOB SUMMARY A professional with 5+ years of management experience who will serve as a leader in moving the Masonic Home to be person-centered in all our practices. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, collaborates with staff and residents to design and implement group leisure and recreation programming that directly meet the desires and needs of the residents. Is responsive to suggestions for new programs/projects by residents and staff. Will manage Active Living staff, who is involved in program planning and development for residents in the RCFE and Skilled Nursing. Involves residents and staff members from other departments in the development and implementation of these programs. Assures that the spiritual, physical, emotional, educational, cognitive, and social needs of the residents are identified and provides appropriate programs to ensure that residents' preferences are met. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Assures that residents are included in the development and planning of all recreation programming and events. Seeks out support from family members as needed. Collaborates with staff from other departments as well in development of programming. • Oversees recreation programming for all levels of living. (RCFE and Skilled Nursing). • Oversees Active Living Dept. budget for fiscal year. • Works collaboratively with Associate Director and Active Living staff to oversee individual and group fitness classes held in the Grider Gym and Grider Pool. • Provides oversight of individual and group classed in Grider Gym/Pool to ensure safety, appropriate instructions are given and appropriate modifications are made for individual workouts. • Oversees Techno-gym equipment in Grider Gym for usage and maintenance. • Uses Techno-gym software data base to create goals and objectives for usage of Grider Gym. • Delegate's authority, responsibility and accountability to other Active Living staff as deemed necessary to perform their assigned duties. • Evaluates all recreation programs to ensure the safety of residents at all times. • Keeps abreast of current federal and state regulations as well as professional standards, and makes recommendations on changes in policies and departmental procedures. (Title 22/OBRA). This includes MDS 3.0 Federal requirements. And makes needed adjustments in recreation programming to meet these regulations. • Participates in reviewing departmental policies and procedures annually. • Ensures that the Active Living staff are assessing new residents in skilled nursing (within seven days of their admission to the home), in order to develop goals with measurable objectives consistent with the information obtained through the initial assessment, interviews with the residents and their family and friends, and information gained through chart reviews. • Collaborates with residents and Active Living staff to develop and implement recreation programming designed for residents with sight and hearing impairments, including individual projects and individualized programs. • Provides adaptable devices/equipment as required. • Collaborates with Assistant director in collecting data for QAPI outcomes. • Maintains a good working relationship with co-workers, medical staff, residents, families and outside vendors. • Other duties as assigned. SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE Minimum competency requirements include: •Be self-directed. •Promote quality improvement and team building among staff. •Demonstrate excellent leadership, listening and collaboration skills. • Seven years recent experience in a recreation program within a health care setting preferably working with seniors, Five years of which was supervising therapy or recreation staff and managing a department budget. • Compliance with state and federal laws governing the position. • Expert understanding of Title 22 and the MDS 3.0. • Experience in planning and providing fitness programming for seniors. • Working knowledge of wellness and successful aging. • Microsoft Office Suite. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES/CERTIFICATES Any combination of education and experience that would provide the necessary knowledge and abilities listed, typically: • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Recreation Therapy, CTRS or RTC certified. • Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer Certificate (CPR) or American Heart Association Level C and Standard First Aid Certificate. • Professional certification through ACSM preferred. Carolee Rodrigo, CTRS, RTC Assistant Director of Programs Masonic Homes of CA 34400 Mission Blvd Union City, CA 94587 510.429.6440 crodrigo@mhcuc.org

TR Processes and Techniques book Insturctor's Guide & PowerPoints

I had previously posted information on the extremely positive reviews of my new book, the 7th edition of Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques . I want instructors to know that an extensive Insturctor's Guide (70 some pages) is available to those adopting the book. Also avialble to instructors are PowerPoint slides. Instructors who are adopting the book should contact Sagamore Publishing to receive the Instructor's Guide and PowerPoint slides.

Recreational Therapy Instructor at FIU

The Department of Leadership and Professional Studies, College of Education at FIU invites applications for a nine-month, full-time, non-tenure track position in Recreational Therapy beginning August 2014. Qualifications: A doctoral degree is preferred. Requirements include: (a) a master’s degree with educational preparation and teaching experience in the field of Recreational Therapy/Therapeutic Recreation, (b) experience teaching completely online courses in an institute of higher education, (c) professional experience and (d) the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification’s (NCTRC) credential as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Preference will be given to individuals with a demonstrated history of online instruction and course development experience. This individual must fulfill the needs of a student-centered learning environment and have the ability to motivate students from a distance via engaging and original content. Individuals must be proficient with the technology they intend to use in their courses and be willing to stay on the cusp of new online learning technologies as they emerge. Responsibilities: Primary emphasis concerns undergraduate online course development and instruction within the recreational therapy track of the recreation and sport management degree program. Besides teaching online courses, additional responsibilities include providing: (a) instruction and assistance to other faculty with regard to digital instruction techniques, pedagogical construction of online courses, and digital research methodologies and (b) service to the program, College, University, and the profession. The Recreational Therapy program lies within the Recreation and Sport Management degree program. The Recreational Therapy program is offered on campus at both the BS and MS degree levels and online at the BS degree level. The program is located in the Department of Leadership and Professional Studies. The Recreational Therapy program is now being offered as a fully online degree program through FIU Online. This position will serve to provide instruction to this rapidly growing population of students. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply for an anticipated start date of Fall 2014. This position is contingent on availability of funding. For information, requirements of the position, and instructions as to how to apply on-line, visit our website at Careers.fiu.edu and reference Job Opening ID 507710. Please submit all required documents in one PDF file at the time of application. Review of completed applications will commence July 1, 2014. Position will remain open until filled. Dr. Alexis McKenney, CTRS Recreational Therapy Program Associate Professor Florida International University MMC, ZEB 335A, Miami, FL 33199 Phone: 305-348-3905 Fax: 305-348-1515 mckenney@fiu.edu http://www.rtprogram.com http://www.iamarecreationaltherapist.com

Monday, June 02, 2014

Faculty Position in Australia

University of Western Sydney, School of Science and Health - Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Therapeutic Recreation The School of Science and Health's teaching and research programs cover a broad range of professional and other disciplines in the health, science and biomedical science areas. We are seeking a forward thinking and innovative scholar to take on the role of Lecturer (Level B), or Senior Lecturer (Level C) in Therapeutic Recreation. Not only will you have strong involvement in curriculum design, development, and delivery but you will also actively undertake research in therapeutic recreation/diversional therapy and related areas. Remuneration Package: Academic Level B $101,761 to $120,078 per annum (comprising Salary $85,989 to $101,538 p.a., 17% Superannuation and Leave Loading); Academic Level C $123,713 to $141,913 per annum (comprising Salary $104,645 to $120,200; 17% Superannuation and Leave Loading) Further details: careers.uws.edu.au Position Enquiries: Professor Gregory Kolt, +61 2 4620 3747; g.kolt@uws.edu.au

Position in Ohio

Recreational Therapist Facility: Alliance Community Hospital, Alliance OH Department: Senior Care Unit - Full-time - Day/Evening rotation Posting dates for internal transfers: May 6, 2014 through May 11, 2014 Will provide Recreational Therapy activities and education within a 12 bed geriatric psychiatric Inpatient Unit. Must hold a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university, with a degree or concentration in therapeutics recreation. Must have experience in geriatrics. Mental Health experience preferred. Must be CTRS or CTRS eligible. Contact: Tracey Rastetter Email: trastetter@achosp.org Phone: 330-596-7116