Recreation Coordinator (Recreational Therapist)

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy or similar field. Significant experience in the field of recreation, recreational therapy, activity coordinator, or similar may be considered in lieu of degree.

• Ability to work weekends and holidays.

• Must have ability to relate with offenders in a firm, empathetic fashion.

• Good writing and verbal skills.

• Must have experience and demonstrated ability in records management.

• A current valid Montana drivers license.

PREFERRED:

• Coaching, activity coordinator, or similar field experience.

• Experience working with offenders and/or experience working in a residential treatment facility.

• Ability to type 40 words per minute.

• Experience in word processing and database management.

• Familiarity with Evidence Based Practices in Corrections.

• Recreational therapy background.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The current starting salary for the position is $20.00 per hour, although consideration will be given the successful candidate's experience and educational background.

$1000 SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE! INQUIRE WITH HR.

Permanent full-time employees of Alternatives, Inc. are entitled to sick leave, vacation leave, individual health insurance, and retirement benefits. Alternatives, Inc. participates in the State Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance plans.

Permanent part-time employees are entitled to a pro-rata share of benefits based on the percentage of full-time hours worked (full-time = 40 hours per week).

Specific detail regarding benefits will be provided upon request at the time of interview or at the time of hire.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Overview:

The Recreation Coordinator (RC) is directly accountable to the Operations Supervisor.

The Recreation Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive program of leisure activities for residential clients. Emphasis shall be placed on physical fitness, development of constructive leisure habits such as hobbies and crafts and assisting counseling personnel in the assessment of problem areas and resident needs.

General Requirements:

• All employees of Alternatives, Inc. are responsible for reading and complying with standards and procedures in the following documents:

• Employee Handbook

• Standard Operating Procedures

Specific Duties:

The RC will fulfill the following duties:

• Implement recreation plan on all units that RC may manage. Which includes coordinating and training volunteers and mentors. This may include but is not limited to art and crafts, dance, music, organized games, table and board games, sports and athletics, special events, and outdoor activities.

• Plan, staff-escorted recreational events on a weekly basis.

• Escort and supervise residents during rec. events and ensure that public safety and agency security requirements are met.

• Assist residents in implementing personal activity plans that can be used while in Pre-Release as well as carry over into their plan for a healthy lifestyle once they enter the community.

• Budget, requisition, allocate, and account for recreation funds.

• The RC will coordinate/reconcile monthly with the Accounting office regarding budgeting and budgeting matters.

• Complete a monthly statement to budget office at the end of each month.

• Plan and implement a general recreation program, which may include, but is not limited to, arts and crafts, dance, music, organized games, table and board games, sports and athletics, special events, and outdoor activities.

• Organize and supervise resident participation in extramural team sports. Although the RM may often times participate in resident recreational activities in which each resident participates as an individual (concerts, visits to fairs, etc), the RC is not to involve himself/herself in team sports as a participant.

• Notify treatment/case management staff of resident issues through direct conversations, logging procedures, contact notes, staff meetings, and use of incident reports.

• Complete and summarize the recreational statistics on a monthly basis.

• Organize community service projects with the residents.

• Organize holiday events on Thanksgiving, Easter, Fourth of July, New Years Eve, Halloween, and Christmas in a proactive manner through planning which includes decoration and festive activities. The Recreation Manager is required to attend the activities on the Fourth of July and New Years Eve.

• The Recreation Manager will serve on the entertainment committee for the Holiday/Christmas party and will facilitate the Program, which should include residents singing, holiday music, and residents putting on an art contest.

Efforts should be made to teach tradition and to include residents actively in the process.

• Coordinate Native American sweats with input from Native American residents for religious and cultural purposes.

• Be aware of restrictions that apply to some residents (i.e. Sex Offenders, Violent Offenders, and Offenders with Temporary Restraining Orders). The RM must also accommodate Special Needs residents as applicable. Sex offenders must have all recreational activities approved by their case manager, South Central Treatment Associates, and the RM.

• Manage DVD movies and usage.

• Oversee the use of the recreation room, musical equipment and upkeep of all physical exercise equipment.

• Use community resources to leverage opportunities for residents to participate and to develop a volunteer base.

• Attend meetings as assigned to ensure all programs are participating in recreation and concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

• Read the shift notes daily to keep informed of resident issues.

• Intervene and assist in resident crisis management.

• Be available for public relations duties to educate the public regarding recreational events as directed.

Other Specific Duties:

The RC will also fulfill the following duties:

• Complete training required for CA I either prior to assignment or at the latest within four months after appointment.

• Maintain the ability to work any shift that meets the recreational needs of the residents, which in some cases could mean partial shifts during all 7 workdays.

• Recognize available activities within the community that would be available to Residents.

• Work closely with in-charge staff at CA desk and personnel, Case Managers, Operations Supervisor, Clinical Supervisor and Directors.