At Houston Methodist, the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist position is responsible for the evaluation and treatment of patients in the inpatient or acute care setting. This position completes a comprehensive assessment, sets goals, develops treatment plans, and adheres to patient care and documentation timelines that maintain the above stated.

　　PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Actively participates in patient care conferences and the discharge planning process, e.g. team conferences, equipment recommendation, consulting with Case Manager, etc. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

　　Functions as a mentor for effective communication skills, assisting in team members' development of such skills. Facilitates open, professional, communication to achieve mutual understanding, role modeling by example. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional.

　　Works well with others and facilitates problem resolution. Role models fair and consistent skills, interacts with peers, staff and visitors in a supportive and respectful manner. Initiates contributions, through peer-to-peer accountability, towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement.

　　SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Performs comprehensive patient evaluations, sets appropriate patient goals, develops effective treatment plans, and adheres to patient care and documentation timelines and guidelines per department policy and procedure. Consistently evaluates the patient's comprehension and adapts teaching methods accordingly.

　　Establishes and maintains professional relationships, trust and credibility with all on the interprofessional healthcare team, serving as clinical resource for routine matters with physicians for the service area and/or specialty. Serves as resource to colleagues, physicians, and nursing for best therapy practices and education.

　　Acts as a patient advocate in collaborating with the interprofessional team for a holistic, goal-oriented approach to care across the continuum that meets the patient's physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. Achieves a high level of customer satisfaction (patients, physicians, co-workers, visitors, etc.). Contributes towards improving department scores for patient satisfaction on unit-based scorecard through peer-to-peer accountability.

　　QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Develops patient treatment protocols and best practices for patient population or practice area. Proactively identifies opportunities for corrective action, leads process improvement providing recommendations, and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

　　Proactively anticipates complications, limitations associated with certain procedures, and proactively addresses for optimum outcomes. Provides safe, functionally relevant, and effective treatment interventions that are functionally and cognitively relevant through the use of recreational and educational supplies to promote patient participation. Collaborates and communicates with the interprofessional healthcare team modifications to patient's treatment plan, progress, and discharge planning.

　　Contributes to identification of corrective action and improvement activities and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety, through peer-to-peer accountability and collaborating with the interprofessional health care team.

　　FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritizing daily tasks. Uses resources effectively and efficiently; does not waste supplies.

　　Works efficiently and effectively to achieve department standard for productivity. Contributes towards department financial targets on unit-based scorecard through timely documentation of care, optimizing efficiency and other areas according to department specifications.

　　GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and shared governance activities. Follows up on action items as necessary to ensure completion of assignments.

　　Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with department and business objectives.

　　Identifies and assumes responsibility of own learning needs and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Actively participates in professional association. Assumes responsibility for self-growth and development by participating in in-services programs. Completes and updates the My Development plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

　　This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

　　EDUCATION

　　Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in Therapeutic RecreationWORK EXPERIENCE

　　One year experience in a therapeutic recreational program in a health care settingLICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

　　CTRS - Certfied Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (NCTRC) -- with the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) or

　　TRS/TXC - Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - Texas State Cert (CTRAC)

　　KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

　　Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

　　Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

　　Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

　　Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills (written and verbal communication, ability to deal with challenging situations, etc.)

　　Ability to provide a supportive and engaging environment that enhances the quality of life for patients

　　Knowledge and experience of engaging with long-term care patients

　　Exhibits excellent delivery of customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers; demonstrates ability to establish and maintain highly effective professional relationships with physicians

　　Demonstrates excellent time/project management skills and ability to effectively coordinate efforts and outcomes for the assigned area

　　Ability to work independently

　　Capable of handling challenging/difficult therapy procedures and patient care situations; demonstrates sound judgment

　　Experience in a team focused work setting

　　SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

　　WORK ATTIRE

　　Uniform No

　　Scrubs Yes

　　Business professional Yes

　　Other (department approved) No

　　ON-CALL*

　　*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

　　On Call* NoTRAVEL

　　Travel specifications may vary by department

　　May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No

　　May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

　　Company Profile:

　　Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation’s leading centers for medical education and research. In 2022, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its prestigious Honor Roll for the sixth time. Also, in this year’s rankings, Houston Methodist Hospital was named the No. 1 hospital in Texas for the 11th year in a row. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 946 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and nearly 8,500 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers complete care for patients from around the world.

　　Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

　　Equal Employment Opportunity

　　Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

　　Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

　　Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

　　Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.