This position is for the 2021-2022 School Year.

This posting will create a pool of applicants. As openings become available, these applications will be reviewed and considered for interview.

Job title:  Recreation Therapist, Secondary and Elementary

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited college or university
• National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Service Certification
• New Mexico State License
• Current New Mexico Department of Education license appropriate to the assignment or ability to obtain proper licensure within 90 days of hire.

Under IDEA, Recreation as a related service includes:

• Assessment of Recreation and Leisure Functioning (to determine the current functional strengths and needs of students),
• Leisure Education (provide students with recreational and educational instruction to promote positive attitudes toward leisure, recognition of the benefits of recreation involvement, the development of skills necessary for recreation participation, etc.),
• Therapeutic Recreation (the use of recreation activities to habilitate or rehabilitate functional abilities) and Recreation in Schools and Community Agencies (the provision of recreation services that facilitate the full participation of children and youths with disabilities in school and community programs).

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Possess a general knowledge of a wide variety of recreational skills, individual and team sports and leisure activities
• Assess students in the areas of gross motor and leisure functioning for qualification of Recreation Therapy services
• Develop relevant goals and objectives based on assessment/test results for the student’s Individual Educational Plan
• Plan recreation therapy activities for students with a wide variety of special needs, as well as provide assistance for them while enrolled in a physical education class
• Implement Recreation Therapy activities for students on an individual and small group basis that are relevant to their IEP goals and beneficial to their gross motor and leisure development
• Evaluate and document student progress
• Provide regular communication with classroom staff, other ancillary staff and general education teachers on student progress
• Arrange physical environment of the activity area for optimum learning and safety of the students
• Provide accurate delivery of services to students within the scope of therapeutic assignment
• Use appropriate conflict resolution skills with students
• Maintain positive attitude and ensure therapeutic environment is conducive to student development
• Develop goals and objectives for professional development
• Maintain documentation to assure accountability
• Maintain order in the therapy session
• Maintain records of student performance and attendance
• Complete required reports and present levels of performance data within prescribed time frames
• Attend motor meetings and in-service training activities for motor staff
• Complies with state-approved New Mexico Administrative Code of Ethical Responsibility of the Education Profession and the RRPS Employee Standards of Conduct and upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives and regulations, school board policies, and local, state and federal regulations;
• Employee may be assigned other duties based on the needs of the district during the term of employment.

Accountability

Reports to:       Executive Director of Special Services; Director of Elementary Special Education; Director of Secondary Special Education

Evaluated by:   Supervisor as assigned

An Equal Opportunity Employer