Lead Rec Therapist

About Shepherd Center 

With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.

Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.  

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Lead Rec Therapist is responsible for planning and implementing rehabilitation programs and events to meet the needs of patients and appropriate community members with disabilities.
• Responsible for the internship program (interviewing, information/documentation completed for start date, mentor for student, orientation manual, schedule and resources for student complete, etc).
• Determines equipment needs in consultation with patient support system and other appropriate team members.
• Provides patient and/or family with resources for use after discharge.
• Facilitates community reintegration outings/camping trips in accordance with policies and procedures for 1:1, group and/or team outings.
• Prepares for and effectively teaches classes and lectures, conveying appropriate information and facilitating participant involvement to patients, family and caregivers.
• Participates in and modifies individual family training according to the needs of patient/family.
• Recognizes and discusses “age” developmental differences between adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, communicates effectively with all patients, and relates this to all aspects of treatment.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Therapeutic Recreation or related specialty field.

REQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATION

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by NCTRC
• CPR certification required (provided by SC)

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working in ABI or SCI specific to the lead ABI or lead SCI recreation Therapy position.
• The Lead Internship position must have three years’ experience and have had at least one TR intern at Shepherd to apply for the education lead TR Therapist position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS

• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation and/or related specialty field as it relates to spinal cord injury and brain injury preferred.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail is necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• N/A

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.