Join Our Team at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center!**

We are dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our diverse community. As a leading healthcare provider, we offer a supportive and inclusive work environment. If you’re passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative setting, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is looking for a Recreation Therapist.

Job Duties

Assessment, treatment, and patient care responsibilities are delivered with knowledge of patient growth and development and are appropriate to the ages of the patients served.

Provides on and off unit recreational activities in accordance with the unit program schedule as determined by the Director, Rehabilitation Services.

Implements and leads programs related to leisure education, stress reduction, social skills, reality orientation, communication skills, self-esteem, independent living skills and physical exercise.

Uses appropriate behavioral management techniques when interacting with patients.

Provides appropriate individual patient interventions during group activities and in the unit milieu.

Communicates effectively with the treatment team members regarding patient’s needs, requests and observed behaviors.

Participates in treatment planning and provides for the integration of therapeutic recreation into the patient’s treatment plan.
Participates in activity program development in conjunction with other Rehabilitation Department staff.
Documents patient’s actions, behaviors, symptoms, significant verbal and non-verbal communication, and progress towards treatment goals in a prescribed format in the patient’s medical record as determined by policies and procedures.
Follows hospital-wide, Behavioral Health, Rehabilitation Department policies and procedures.
Customer Service: respect, flexibility, knowledge, confidence, professionalism, pleasant attitude, patience and helpfulness. All responses should be timely, professional, caring, and respectful in accordance with Customer Service Performance expectations
Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards. Assesses gaps in policies and procedures and creates necessary policies and procedures to fulfill these gaps.
Understands and adheres to the Medical Center’s Code of Conduct.
Familiar with the Medical Center’s Mission, Vision, and Values Statements.
Effectively utilizes the hospital computer system as it pertains to job responsibilities and in accordance with hospital policy.

Identifies problems and contributes to unit and department problem-solving processes.

Participates in unit committees and in Performance Improvement activities, as assigned.

Attends scheduled staff meetings and maintains communication with staff.

Provides in-service training to other staff.

Enhances professional growth by attending in-services and educational programs.

Write protocols for groups according to determined criteria.

Performs other related duties as required.

Other Duties
Performs other duties as assigned to support the overall objectives of the department and organization.

Position Qualifications:
Supervised internship in Therapeutic Recreation on a hospital based behavioral health unit preferred.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills.
Speaks, reads and writes English to the extent required by the position.

Education
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited school required.
CTRS or CTRS eligible.
Heartsaver/CPR certification required.

Job Setting/Physical Demands
Treatment rooms and patient care areas; contact with patients, visitors, staff.
Mobility and manual dexterity.
Frequent prolonged standing/walking.
Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, crouching. Lifts, positions, pushes, and/or transfers patients.

Salary commensurate with experience within posted range

$31.70-$54.32/ hour

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive medical, dental, and vision plans. We prioritize work-life balance with a generous time off policy that includes ample vacation days, personal time, sick leave and nine paid holidays. Additionally, we are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees, offering robust tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs to help support our employees ongoing development.

Experience

Required

• Practical skills in area of specialization (e.g., crafts, art, dance)

Preferred

• Knowledge of a second language.
• Supervised internship in Recreation Therapy on a hospital behavioral health unit.

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Recreation Therapy

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Cert Therapy Rec Spec
• • Heart Saver

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.