What does a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist do?
Published 3 min read
A therapeutic recreation specialist is a professional who helps people with disabilities or chronic illnesses to improve their quality of life and overall health through recreational activities. Therapeutic recreation specialists use a variety of techniques, including individual and group counseling, to help their clients achieve their goals.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist job duties include:
- Plan, direct, and coordinate therapeutic recreation programs and activities for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions.
- Assess patients' interests, needs, and abilities to develop appropriate recreation programs.
- Adapt standard recreation activities to meet the special needs of patients.
- Instruct patients in proper use of equipment and safety techniques.
- Lead groups in recreational activities such as arts and crafts, games, sports, and outings.
- Help patients develop social skills and relationships with others.
- Encourage patients to participate in recreational activities to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports for treatment team members.
- Collaborate with other members of the treatment team to develop individualized recreation plans for patients.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Job Requirements
A Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) is a professional who helps people with disabilities participate in recreational activities. TRSs typically have a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field, and must be certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). They must also have experience working with people with disabilities.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Skills
- Patience
- Communication
- Creativity
- Interpersonal skills
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Stress management
- Problem solving
- Active listening
- Empathy
- Assessment skills
- Treatment planning
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How to become a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
A therapeutic recreation specialist is a professional who helps people with physical, mental, or social disabilities to participate in recreational activities. They work with individuals of all ages and abilities to design and implement programs that promote health and well-being.
To become a therapeutic recreation specialist, you will need to have a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field. You will also need to complete an internship or practicum in order to gain experience working with clients. Once you have completed your education and training, you will need to obtain certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
If you are interested in helping people with disabilities participate in recreational activities, then becoming a therapeutic recreation specialist may be the right career for you. With the proper education and training, you can make a difference in the lives of those you serve.
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