MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Four years of experience as a teacher, instructor, or counselor in a recreational program; OR

A bachelor's degree in a rehabilitation, recreation, or therapy field, a physical education field, or psychology; OR

Possession of certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in accordance with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

Function of Work:
To plan, organize, direct, conduct, and evaluate therapeutic recreational services for special populations.

Level of Work:
Entry.

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

Supervision Exercised:
Functional over Therapy Aides, non-professional staff, volunteers, or interns.

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 Assistant by the presence of professional-level therapeutic recreation duties and responsibilities.

Differs from a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 2 by the absence of independent responsibility for planning, organizing, directing, conducting, and evaluating therapeutic recreational services for special populations.

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 train groups of volunteers and students in techniques of therapeutic recreation.

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

May prepare and submit requisitions for needed supplies.

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.