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Office of Administration

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Recreational Therapist III

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 These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.

Class Number: 
4465
Annual Salary Range:
$36,360.00 – $57,792.00
Twice-a-Month Salary Range:
$1,515.00 – $2,408.00
Pay Grade: 
06
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Definition

This is senior-level supervisory and administrative work involving the direction of a large and complex therapeutic/rehabilitative recreational 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.)

One or more years of experience as a Recreational Therapist II with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.

OR

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; and,

Three or more years of professional experience conducting planned activities for persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or physical disabilities 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.

(One additional year of qualifying experience may substitute for the specialized earned credit hours.)

(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for the required education and one year of the required experience.)

(A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for the required education and two years of the required experience.)

Job Duties

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

Plans, develops, directs, and coordinates a comprehensive recreational therapy program designed to meet individual and group needs.

Recruits, directs, supervises, and evaluates professional therapists and non-professional recreational staff.

Consults with staff from other disciplines to integrate recreational therapy into the overall treatment program; monitors activities to ensure conformance to client and program objectives.

Plans and conducts staff training in therapeutic recreation techniques through meetings, demonstrations, and discussions; apprises staff of new developments in the field.

Plans the Recreational Therapy Student Internship Program, provides instruction in the techniques and procedures used in recreational therapy, and prepares reports as required by the school involved.

Determines areas and schedules for volunteer participation; directs and participates in the training and supervision of assigned volunteers.

Establishes and maintains contact with community organizations to stimulate interest and participation in recreational therapy programs.

Manages the recreational therapy program which involves the care and maintenance of facilities and equipment, assignment of work to employees, and the maintenance of records.

Coordinates recreational therapy activities with other units; serves as liaison keeping other departments aware of available resources.

Exercises considerable independence and discretion in developing and coordinating the recreational therapy program and its integration into the total treatment/rehabilitative program; receives general supervision through progress reports, conferences, and observation.

Performs other related work as assigned.

Key Skills

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

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

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

Intermediate knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and training.

Ability to plan, implement, and supervise the activities and staff of a comprehensive recreational therapy program.

Ability to analyze and assess the therapeutic techniques and practices of a recreational program and adapt treatment to individual and group needs.

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

Ability to prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports.

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

(Revised 10/1/16)