The Recreation Specialist will perform a variety of duties involved in the delivery of the Therapeutic Recreation Program.  This includes planning and leading groups, charting, staffings, care plans, unit and department meetings.  Assist in completing the recreation assessments within 72 hours.  Implementing Life Skills, Lessons, Relaxation, Leisure Education, Exercise and Recreation Therapy groups.  Assist in training interns and new employees.  Participate in unit and departmental staff meetings.  St. Luke’s C.A.R.E. delivery model (Continuity, Accountability, Relationship-based, Evidence-based) reflects a commitment to compassionate, competent care delivered by the interdisciplinary team.  Care is provided through a therapeutic relationship with the patient and family.  A spirit of inquiry is encouraged and supported.  Small tests of change and more formal research efforts are used when the evidence is not clear.  Evidence-driven protocols are utilized to assure reliable and consistent care.

The patients to be served include pediatric and adolescent.

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Clinical Competence

• Must be able to successfully complete a basic computer course through in-hospital training.
• Must successfully complete in –hospital orientation and competencies.
• The associate is aware of hospital and department compliance for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.  Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of department or hospital administrative staff.
• Purposefully conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the hospital’s commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity.
• For the safety of our patients and co-workers, St. Luke’s Hospital requires seasonal and job related vaccinations.  This is reviewed regularly during periodic health assessments.
• Will complete all required in-services on time.  This includes behavior management training, BCLS, safety, and others as required by supervisor or the department. 
• The associate is aware of hospital and department compliance for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.  Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of department or hospital administrative staff.
• Purposefully conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the hospital’s commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity.
• Successfully completes hospital-wide orientation, annual hospital competencies and department/unit specific competencies.
• For the safety of our patients and co-workers, St. Luke’s Hospital requires seasonal and job related vaccinations.  This is reviewed regularly during periodic health assessments.

Patient Care

• Must be able to work with children and adolescents
• Required to obtain a chauffeur's license to drive hospital vehicles. 
• Must have basic knowledge of Therapeutic Recreation.  Knowledge of community recreation resources and support services. 
• Demonstrates teaching competence in the following areas: leisure education, communication skills, family issues, sexuality, self esteem, coping skills, stress and relaxation, values clarification, health and fitness, and substance abuse.  
• Establish professional competence in the delivery of effective group therapy in a manner, which is consistent with the hospital mission, vision and values. 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain profession objectivity.
• Evidences ability to apply professional judgement in assessment, intervention and evaluation for patients.
• Demonstrates skill in the selection of appropriate treatment interventions.
• Prepared meaningful, concise, and timely documentation (flowsheets, charting, activity sheets, stats sheets, scissors count, variances, etc.).
• Shows initiative and insight in suggesting new areas for program development.
• Evidences ability to recognize own strengths and limitations and selects appropriate professional
• developmental strategies (supervision, continuing education, etc.).
• Will need to meet the Recreation Therapy needs for the Behavioral Health Division.  Will be expected to accept assignments as the needs develop.
• Will need to meet the needs for the Recreation Therapy, Child & Adolescent Unit, Child Day Treatment, LIFE programs and services.
• Will need to work flexible hours:  day, evenings, weekends and holidays. 

Performance Improvement

• Expands the credibility of the position through demonstrated leadership qualities.
• Maintains objectivity in dealing with controversy, difference of opinion or conflict.
• Develops effective working relationships with colleagues and other professionals.
• Utilizes effective verbal skills in communicating with physicians, nurses, and other professionals.
• Practices in a manner which enhances the hospital's environment and image.
• Facilitates cooperative working relationship with others.  Is an active and invested team player with other involved disciplines and colleagues.
• Maintains effective working relationship with physicians.
• Actively participates in problem solving in the programs in which he/she is involved.
• Informs supervisor of problems encountered in the delivery of services.
• Actively attempts to insure customer satisfaction.   Involves the supervisor as needed.

• Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• B.A. or B.S. in Recreation Therapy, or related field such as Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Child Life Specialist, Leisure, Youth & Human Services, Health Promotion and Education, or Early Childhood Development and Education.  
• Meets professional qualifications delineated by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society. 
• Experience working with children or adolescents preferred. 
• Adheres to the Code of Ethics.
• Must be able to work with both children and adolescents. 
• Must have basic knowledge of Therapeutic Recreation and child development. 
• Knowledge of community recreation resources and support services. 
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.