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Recreational Therapist I

This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.

Class Number: 
4463
Annual Salary Range:
$32,400.00 – $51,468.00
Twice-a-Month Salary Range:
$1,350.00 – $2,144.50
Pay Grade: 
05
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Definition

This is entry-level professional recreational therapy work involving the assessment, instruction, evaluation, and oversight of clients in recreational activities as part of a therapeutic/rehabilitative program.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility.  Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted.  These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)

 A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 12 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, Leisure Studies, Physical Education, Music Therapy, Art Therapy,  Exercise Physiology, Health and Fitness, Wellness, Sports Management, Expressive Arts, Horticulture, Geriatrics, Special Education, or a closely related field.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; and,

One or more years of experience conducting planned activities for persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or the elderly population in one or more of the following areas: recreation, physical education, arts and crafts, horticulture, health and fitness, art/expressive arts, music, or a closely related area.

Job Duties

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

Plans and administers therapeutic recreational activities in individual or group settings adapted to meet client needs and abilities as part of a treatment/rehabilitation program for a unit or treatment/rehabilitation area.

Evaluates clients' functioning level reflecting physical, social, mental, and emotional needs, abilities, and interests for placement in a recreational treatment program.

Confers with medical and interdisciplinary treatment staff regarding implementing clients' recreational programs based on needs, abilities, and interests.

Instructs and monitors clients in a wide variety of leisure activities such as active sports, group games, dramatics, arts and crafts projects, dancing, and other related activities; observes and reports on progress.

Organizes, stimulates, and encourages participation in planned individual and group activities; conducts special seasonal events and programs.

Supervises and/or trains Activity Aides, volunteers, students, and direct care staff in recreational activities.

Promotes cooperative assistance in meeting social and physical needs of clients through frequent interaction with other health, social service, and community groups.

Maintains an inventory of equipment and supplies used in recreation activities; requisitions materials.

Exercises independence and discretion in carrying out assignments in conformance with program objectives and professional standards; supervision is received from a higher-level therapist who reviews work through progress reports, client record reviews, and/or direct observation.

Performs other related work as assigned.

Key Skills

Introductory knowledge of the principles and practices of recreational therapy and the ability to apply them.

Introductory knowledge of the techniques, methods, and goals of individual and group recreational activities.

Introductory knowledge of the problems and behaviors of persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or physical disabilities.

Ability to plan, conduct, and participate in therapeutic recreational activities.

Ability to observe clients' progress and prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to assess the effectiveness of therapeutic techniques and practices used in the rehabilitation/treatment of clients.

Ability to teach the principles, practices, and techniques of recreational therapy to staff, volunteers, and students.

Ability to operate and make minor adjustments and repairs to standard recreational therapy equipment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and clients.

(Revised 10/1/16)