Job Description:
Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions.
Join us in our mission to help people with a temporary or permanent disability, rebuild their lives with hope, independence and dignity, advocating for their full inclusion in all aspects of community life.
At Shepherd Center, you'll discover a diverse and inclusive environment, enlightened leadership, a culture of teamwork, professionalism and mutual respect. If you are seeking career advancement, continuing education opportunities coupled with a welcoming and fun workplace, competitive compensation and employment benefits, visit our careers page to explore current openings.
Why Shepherd Center
Do you have the career opportunities as a Recreational Therapist you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join Shepherd Center which is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 BEST rehabilitation hospitals in the nation. Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit and medical components on-site, allowing us to begin the rehabilitation process sooner than other rehabilitation hospitals.
Our organization offers a full range of clinical specialties. Therapists have the opportunity to work in outpatient or inpatient setting depending on available openings. Our on-site education and in-service opportunities make it possible for you to meet re-licensure needs while expanding your professional knowledge and skills. Backed by Shepherd's commitment to education and professional development, you will be empowered to pursue opportunities in education, process improvement, research and leadership.
We have a vast array of opportunities ranging from Nursing, Clinical, to Finance, IT, Administrative, Research and Support Services to name a few. Across all departments, you'll find career opportunities that support diversity, equity and inclusion. At Shepherd Center, we invest in you with opportunities for growth and development and our benefits and compensation package are highly competitive. We invite you to be a part of our team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, mutual respect, and most importantly, a life-changing career!
What You'll Be Doing
The Recreational Therapist is responsible for evaluating patients (adolescent, adult, geriatric) assigned, determining short-term and long-term goals in conjunction with the patient and other Shepherd Center team members, and developing and implementing a comprehensive treatment program to meet goals. This hands-on role interacts directly with patients, making an impact on their recovery.
At Shepherd Center, our expert clinicians help patients get the most out of rehabilitation. In fact, our patients are more independent and have better outcomes than the national average. As a Recreational Therapist at Shepherd, you will be part of an amazing team committed to helping people with a temporary or permanent disability caused by injury or disease, rebuild their lives with hope, independence and dignity, advocating for their full inclusion in all aspects of community life.
Department
Our organization offers a full range of clinical specialties. Therapists have the opportunity to work in outpatient or inpatient setting depending on available openings.
Schedule
Full time
Hours/Pay Period
Day Shift/Varied
Schedule Details
Minimum of 40 hours per calendar year. Help during major holidays.
Weekend Schedule
Some Saturday or Sunday coverage may be necessary to accommodate community outings and programming.
Benefits Eligible
No
Required Minimum Education
- Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or in recreation with an emphasis in therapeutics.
Required Minimum Certification
- CPR certification required (will be provided by Shepherd Center).
- Certification by NCTRC as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist required.
Required Minimum Experience
- Minimum one year of clinical experience in physical rehabilitation.
- Hospital or inpatient rehab experience preferred.
Required Minimum Skills
- Basic computer skills.
- Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.
- Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
- Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
- Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
- Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
- Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
- Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.
Preferred Qualifications
- Lifeguard certification is a plus.
- Knowledge of therapeutic recreation as it relates to spinal cord injury and brain injury preferred.
Physical Demands
- Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.
- Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 30 lbs.
Working Conditions
- Normal patient care environment.
- Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
- Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.
- May include exposure to community.
Required Minimum Education
- Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or in recreation with an emphasis in therapeutics.
Required Minimum Certification
- CPR certification required (will be provided by Shepherd Center).
- Certification by NCTRC as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist required.
Required Minimum Experience
- Minimum one year of clinical experience in physical rehabilitation.
- Hospital or inpatient rehab experience preferred.
Required Minimum Skills
- Basic computer skills.
- Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.
- Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
- Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
- Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
- Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
- Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
- Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.
Preferred Qualifications
- Lifeguard certification is a plus.
- Knowledge of therapeutic recreation as it relates to spinal cord injury and brain injury preferred.
Physical Demands
- Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.
- Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 30 lbs.
Working Conditions
- Normal patient care environment.
- Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
- Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.
- May include exposure to community.
