Under broad supervision, plans, directs or coordinates therapeutic recreation programs. Activities include sports, gardening, dramatics, music, social activities, and arts and crafts. Conducts assessment of a clients condition and recommends appropriate recreational activity. Performs job responsibilities with minimal supervision. Serves as job expert or organization resource in assigned areas. Conducts therapy sessions to improve clients' mental and physical well-being. Confers with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs. Develops treatment plan to meet needs of client, based on needs assessment, client interests and objectives of therapy. Encourages clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting life skills and leisure activities, such as sports, games, music, arts and crafts, and gardening. Instructs client in activities and techniques, such as sports, gardening, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs. Observes, analyzes, and records clients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed. Obtains information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the clients themselves to assess clients' capabilities, needs and interests. Plans, organizes, directs and participates in treatment programs and activities to facilitate clients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community and prevent further medical problems. Prepares and submits reports and charts to treatment team to reflect clients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression. Supervises professional and support staff

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

Benefits

 In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

 The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

  *Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

 DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

 This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.