Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - St. Margaret's Center

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Full Time | Day Shift

St. Margaret's Center, an affiliate of Center for Disability Services, is a pediatric and young adult 94-bed skilled nursing facility, located in Albany, NY. Founded in 1883, St. Margaret's Center is a skilled nursing facility serving medically fragile infants, children, and young adults on a single dedicated campus. We specialize in providing cutting-edge, long-term, 24-hour intensive medical care in a nurturing and home-like setting.

St. Margaret's Center is a place where infants, children and young adults can learn and grow despite any obstacle. We're focused on creating a full childhood experience for every resident, which includes activities, school, family, and friends in a warm atmosphere that feels like home. We see our patients as kids, not conditions.

Learn more about St. Margaret's Center here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xpZETPUCBM

What Makes St. Margaret's a Great Place to Work?

• Specialty Pediatric Facility: The only nursing facility in Albany serving babies, teenagers, and young adults.
• Smaller units - an average size unit is 16 residents.
• Higher staffing ratios
• Atmosphere focused on learning & growing.
• Playful environment
• All school aged children receive school services.
• Inclusion of all residents into the community for outings and schooling
• Competitive pay rate
• Evening, night, and weekend shift differentials
• In this role, you may be eligible to receive the New York State funded Health Care Worker Bonus!
  • Please visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/providers/hwb_program to learn more.

Requirements for a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree in the field of: Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or similar
• NYS Driver's License
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Certification (CTRS)
• At least 1 year of related experience, in care and activities program for multi-handicapped individuals.
• Ability to read and comprehend IEP, resident medical charts as needed for planning programs.

Responsibilities for a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist:

• Complete initial, quarterly, and annual resident assessments in conjunction with/as assigned by Director of Resident Life.
• Under the supervision of the Director or Resident Life, provides residents with opportunities for recreation through specific programming. This includes:
  • Assisting in creating specific programs and materials as needed.
  • Granting all residents, the opportunity to actively engage in programming despite functioning level by providing appropriate facilitation techniques such as utilizing adaptive equipment, providing hand over hand assistance, etc. as needed.
  • Attending and assisting with community integration programs such as outings as directed.

• Schedule and lead social group in conjunction with Resident Life Case Manager and/or Resident Life Social Worker and/or Resident Life Social Work Intern.
• Review, recommend, and update Leisure, Life and Play Skills as well as therapeutic goals in the resident care plan and resident chart.
• Assist with implementing a MOVE program, in conjunction with the therapy and nursing departments.
• Lead and participate in community outings with residents.
• Participate in and present ongoing trainings with Resident Life Department Staff in holistic care and therapeutic recreational techniques.
• Complete resident discharge planning as needed, which includes helping families and residents find and utilize community resources to maintain and improve wellness after discharge.
• Complete MDS assessments and updates care plans in conjunction with/as assigned by Director of Resident Life.

• Provides appropriate supervision of residents and manages all program needs and occurrences in the absence of the Director or Resident Life and/or Senior Resident Life Assistants.
• Sees to it that all equipment and activity spaces remain in good, clean conditions.
• Assists in carrying out any resident's specific behavior program, including the completion of required documentation, as necessary.
• Assists residents with Activities of Daily Living as needed. Ensures residents are maintained in clean, unsoiled conditions.

Benefits for St. Margaret's Center Team Members:

As an affiliate of the Center for Disability Services, working at St. Margaret's Center provides the opportunity to become a part of our Mission. A career with us offers opportunities for those seeking meaningful, impactful, mission-driven work in addition to a rewarding work environment, and competitive benefits to include:

• Low-Cost Medical, Vision, and Dental Plans
• Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave, and Jury Duty
• 401K Retirement Program
• Tuition Assistance
• Referral Bonus Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Life Insurance
• Free Long Term Disability Insurance
• Career Development Program
• Staff Recognition Programs
• Wellness Program
• Supplemental, Voluntary Insurance Options: Disability, Life, Accident, Critical Illness and more

At The Center for Disability Services, we don't just accept difference - we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and the people we support. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any protected class of job applicant or employee in our employment practices.