Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

Functional Therapeutic Activities Specialist

Position Summary

A therapeutic recreation program is defined as a professional service that assists people with disabilities and other limitations to have a leisure life-style that encompasses functional independence, health and well-being through treatment, education and participation. Therapeutic recreation is practiced in clinical, community and residential treatment.

As a Functional Therapeutic Activities Specialist , the individual would, individually or as a member of a treatment team or treatment program, plan and conduct activities for client/patient groups. The goal of each program is to bring about positive change in a client's/ patient's mental, physical and/or social behavior. The individual would lead life skills training groups and leisure activities.

Duties of a Functional Therapeutic Activities Specialist may include the following but are not limited to:

• Promote, plan and carry out programs and activities according to field of specialty as directed.

• Directly monitor and evaluate patient response to programs and activities offered and inform the treatment team of requests and response.

• Maintain inventory of relevant supplies, and inform Supervisor of supply needs for specific functions.

• Prepare the recreation area for the comfort and safety of the Patients to provide the maximum therapeutic value of the session.

• Supervise adjunct staff/students when necessary.

• When involved in a Therapeutic Recreation program: Evaluate patient' progress and status and work with the treatment team to provide a therapeutically effective program to meet the patients' needs.

• As an integral member of the treatment team, will interface with other staff such as nursing, social work and therapy staff, to provide each patient with a comprehensive therapy and care program.

• Document attendance statistics and progress notes, and document patient progress. Share relevant information about patients with other department/disciplines, as necessary to benefit the patient and assist other care staff.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic activities field from an accredited college, and one year of full time experience in planning and administering a therapeutic recreation program

• which involved developing and coordinating therapeutic recreational activities for psychiatric patients/residents; individuals with developmental disabilities; individuals that are physically challenged or individuals in treatment for chemical dependency; in a hospital or health care or related facility.

Preferred Qualifications: 3 years of experience 2 years specialty experience in Acute Psychiatry. Current credentials in any functional therapeutic activities field such as Art Therapy, Music Therapy, or Recreation Therapy, with licensure or certification in field of education. Experience/training in Crisis management and crisis prevention.

Please note that the successful candidate must frequently move about the hallways, patient rooms, and multiple floors to service patients. The successful candidate will also aid with the transport of patients. The successful candidate is responsible for responding to alarms/codes, detecting and communicating situations that may cause harm to the patient, or others, responding to and communicating requests for assistance. In addition, they must, as necessary, use physical interventions and techniques when securing and applying restraints on patients and move restrained patients; as necessary. The successful candidate will also restrain agitated patients and aid with lifting patients.

Special Notes : Resume/CV should be included with the online application.

Posting Overview : This position will remain posted until filled or for a maximum of 90 days. An initial review of all applicants will occur two weeks from the posting date. Candidates are advised on the application that for full consideration, applications must be received before the initial review date (which is within two weeks of the posting date).

If within the initial review no candidate was selected to fill the position posted, additional applications will be considered for the posted position; however, the posting will close once a finalist is identified, and at minimal, two weeks after the initial posting date. Please note, that if no candidate were identified and hired within 90 days from initial posting, the posting would close for review, and possibly reposted at a later date.

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• Stony Brook Medicine is a smoke free environment. Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on campus, including parking lots and outdoor areas on the premises.

• All Hospital positions maybe subject to changes in pass days and shifts as necessary.

• This position may require the wearing of respiratory protection, which may prohibit the wearing of facial hair.

• This function/position maybe designated as “essential.” This means that when the Hospital is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in such positions may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover, and continue operations at Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University Hospital and related facilities.

Prior to start date, the selected candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Successfully complete pre-employment physical examination and obtain medical clearance from Stony Brook Medicine's Employee Health Services

• • Complete electronic reference check with a minimum of three (3) professional references.

• Successfully complete a 4 panel drug screen

• • Meet Regulatory Requirements for pre employment screenings.

• Provide a copy of any required New York State license(s)/certificate(s).

Failure to comply with any of the above requirements could result in a delayed start date and/or revocation of the employment offer.

*The hiring department will be responsible for any fee incurred for examination .

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Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the University Office of Equity and Access at (631)632-6280.

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Stony Brook University Hospital, consistent with our shared core values and our intent to achieve excellence, remains dedicated to supporting healthier and more resilient communities, both locally and globally.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position is $55151 - $70000 / year.

The above salary range represents SBUH’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The specific salary offer will be based on the candidate’s validated years of comparable experience. Any efforts to inflate or misrepresent experience are grounds for disqualification from the application process or termination of employment if hired.

Some positions offer annual supplemental pay such as:

• Location pay for UUP, CSEA & PEF full-time positions ($3400)

Your total compensation goes beyond the number in your paycheck. SBUH provides generous leave, health plans, and a state pension that add to your bottom line.

Job Number: 2501182

Official Job Title: : TH Recreational Therapy Specialist

Job Field : Therapeutic Recreation

Primary Location : US-NY-Stony Brook

Department/Hiring Area: : Clinical Support / Mental Health

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Variable Shift Hours: : Variable Pass Days: : Variable

Posting Start Date : Apr 11, 2025

Posting End Date : Jul 10, 2025, 10:59:00 PM

Salary: : 55151 - 70000

Salary Grade: : SL3

SBU Area: : Stony Brook University Hospital

Req ID: 2501182