Skip to content
Search Public Health Job Opportunities Across The Nation

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST 3--B

This vacancy is located within the REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT at the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System, Jackson, LA. ELMHS is the largest 24-hour, multi-site, state psychiatric complex, comprised or residential, outpatient and inpatient services.
This posting may be used to fill vacancies in other divisions or units at Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System within 90 days of closing.

The position may be filled as either a Probational or Job Appointment (open to all qualified applicants); a promotion (open to all statewide classified and, agency-wide permanent status employees); by Detail to Special Duty; or as a part-time, temporary WAE. Current permanent status, classified employees may be required to accept a Probational appointed if selected. If filled as a Job Appointment, there is a possibility that this position may be converted to a Probational Appointment should funding become available.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of work experience.  An application may be considered incomplete if the work experience and education sections are not completed. Please list all work experience.


Applicants qualifying based on college training or receipt of a baccalaureate degree will be required to submit an official college transcript to verify credentials claimed prior to appointment.  Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript to your application. The transcripts can be added as an attachment to your online application or faxed to (225) 219-1041.  The selected candidate will be required to submit original documentation upon hire.

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
 
To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.


For further information about this vacancy, please contact:

ELMHS-HR@LA.GOV
(225) 634-0571  

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

GENERAL OPTION:

A baccalaureate degree in rehabilitation, recreation, recreation therapy, physical education, music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, horticultural therapy, or psychology plus two years of professional level experience in recreation therapy.

SUBSTITUTIONS (GENERAL OPTION ONLY):

Experience in an organized recreational program as a worker, teacher, instructor, or counselor will substitute for the required college training on the basis of thirty semester hours for one year of experience.


PSYCHIATRIC OPTION:

Either of the following will qualify:

1. A baccalaureate degree in recreation therapy plus two years of professional level experience in recreation therapy.

OR

2. A baccalaureate degree in any field AND attainment of certification in accordance with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification plus two years of professional level experience in recreation therapy.

SUBSTITUTIONS (PSYCHIATRIC OPTION ONLY):

Experience providing therapeutic recreational services will substitute for the baccalaureate degree and certification on the basis of 10 years as equivalent.


SUBSTITUTIONS (ALL OPTIONS):

A master's degree in recreation, recreation therapy, physical education, music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, horticultural therapy, or psychology will substitute for one year of the required experience.


NOTE:

Psychiatric services are those services which provide for the diagnosis and treatment of mentally ill persons.

NOTE:

Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university.

Qualifications

Function of Work:
To provide certified clinical oversight to a specific unit of therapeutic recreation personnel as required by legislation.

Level of Work:
Advanced.

Supervision Received:
General from a higher-level therapeutic recreation specialist or higher-level manager or administrator.

Supervision Exercised:
Functional over lower-level professional and non-professional therapeutic recreation personnel.

Location of Work:
Department of Health and Hospitals; LSU - Health Sciences Center, Acute Care Hospitals, Medical Schools; Department of Veterans Affairs; Department of Corrections.

Job Distinctions:
Differs from a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 2 by the presence of certified clinical oversight to a specific unit of therapeutic recreation personnel as required by legislation.

Differs from a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 3-A by the absence of first line supervisory responsibilities over lower level professional and nonprofessional therapeutic recreation staff.

Differs from a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 4 by absence of supervision over a minimum of three professional level therapeutic recreation specialist positions, one of which must be a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 3-A or 3-B position.Accomplishes work through technical direction of lower-level therapeutic recreation personnel.

Assists in the performance evaluation of lower-level therapeutic recreation personnel.

Determines work assignments, priorities, and procedures for employees.

Gives advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on clinical matters.

Develops performance standards.

Identifies developmental and training needs of employees, providing or arranging for needed development and training.

Directs and organizes such activities as sports, dramatics, games, and arts and crafts to assist patients to develop interpersonal relationships, to socialize effectively, and to develop confidence needed to participate in group activities.

Instruct clients in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, concentration, and other activities.

Regulates content of program in accordance with patients or clients capabilities, needs, and interests.

Instruct clients in calisthenics, stretching and limbering exercises, and individual and group sports.

Counsels and encourages clients to develop leisure activities.

Organizes and conducts special outings, such as ball games, sightseeing, or picnics to make patients aware of available recreational resources.

Prepares progress charts and periodic reports for medical staff and other members of treatment team, reflecting client's reactions and evidence of progress or regression.

May supervise and conduct in-service training of other staff members, review their assessments and program goals, and consult with them on selected cases.

May supervise groups of volunteers and students in techniques of recreation therapy.

May serve as consultant to other state agencies, educational institutions, and community health programs.

May be required to provide some diversionary recreation or creative arts activities and services from time to time or on a continuing basis, in addition to medically prescribed therapy activities.

Date Posted
02/15/2024
Job Reference
ELMHS8.4.23TRS3B
Organization
LDH-Office of Behavioral Health
Location
Jackson, LA 70802
Category
Mental Health/Social Services
Apply Back

Connect with Local, State, and Territorial Health Departments

To find local governmental public health jurisdictions, see - www.naccho.org