Recreation/Music Therapist-Highland Group Home

Job Location: This position will be located at 1501 N. River Blvd, Independence, MO 64050.

Why you’ll love this position:

The Missouri Department of Mental Health is dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and public understanding of mental illness and developmental disabilities. By joining our team, YOU can make a difference in the lives of those impacted by a mental illness or developmental disability, so they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, live their lives to the fullest, and be a valued member of their communities.

This is entry-level professional recreational therapy work involving the assessment, instruction, evaluation, and supervision of clients in recreational activities as part of a therapeutic/rehabilitative program.

• What you’ll do:
  
  Job Duties
  
  1. Plans and administers therapeutic recreational activities in individual or group settings adapted to meet client needs and abilities as part of a treatment/rehabilitation program for a unit or treatment/rehabilitation area.
  
  2. Evaluates clients' functioning level reflecting physical, social, mental, and emotional needs, abilities, and interest for placement in a recreational treatment program.
  
  3. Confers with medical and interdisciplinary treatment staff regarding implementing clients' recreational programs based on needs, abilities, and interests.
  
  4. Instructs and supervises clients in a wide variety of leisure activities such as active sports, group games, dramatics, arts and crafts projects, dancing, and other related activities; observes and reports on progress.
  
  5. Organizes, stimulates, and encourages participation in planned individual and group activities; conducts special seasonal events and programs. Supervises and/or trains Activity Aides, volunteers, students, and direct care staff in recreational activities. Promotes cooperative assistance in meeting social and physical needs of clients through frequent interaction with other health, social service, and community groups. Maintains an inventory of equipment and supplies used in recreation activities, requisitions materials. Exercises independence and discretion in carrying out assignments in conformance with program objectives and professional standards; supervision is received from a higher-level therapist who reviews work through progress reports, client record reviews, and/or direct observation.
  
  6. Performs other related work as assigned. Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance; arrive to work on time, returns from lunch on time and minimizes unscheduled absences.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and two (2 years) of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1. Introductory knowledge of the principles and practices of recreational therapy and the ability to apply them.
  
  2. Introductory knowledge of the techniques, methods, and goals of individual and group recreational activities.
  
  3. Introductory knowledge of the problems and behaviors of persons with mental illness, mental retardation/developmental disabilities, and/or physical disabilities.
  
  4. Ability to plan, conduct, and participates in therapeutic recreational activities.
  
  5. Ability to observe clients' progress and prepare clear and concise reports.
  
  6. Ability to assess the effectiveness of therapeutic techniques and practices used in the rehabilitation/treatment of clients.
  
  7. Ability to teach the principles, practices, and techniques of recreational therapy to staff, volunteers, and students.
  
  8. Ability to operate and make minor adjustments and repairs to standard recreational therapy equipment.
  
  9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and clients.
  
  

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .

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• State of Missouri

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