Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 3-B

Office of Juvenile Justice
Acadiana Center for Youth-Bunkie 1536 Bordelon Road, Bunkie, LA 71322
This vacancy is located at the Acadiana Center for Youth in Bunkie , Louisiana.

The Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) serves youth who have been adjudicated delinquent or Families in Need of Services (FINS). We are responsible for youth assigned to our care by the court system, either for supervision or custody in residential placement or secure care. OJJ also provides services to youth under local court supervision.

Our Mission

The Office of Juvenile Justice protects the public by providing safe and

effective individualized services to youth, who will become productive,

law-abiding citizens.

Our Vision

OJJ is a quality system of care which embraces partnerships with families,

communities and stakeholders to assist youth in redirecting their lives

toward responsible citizenship

Guiding Principles

H onesty - To be honest; do everything with integrity.

A chievement - To be outcome-oriented in achieving results consistent with our mission.

V ersatility - To value, promote and support diversity and cultural competence.

E thical - To be ethical; to do the right thing, both legally and morally.

F ocused - To be focused on empowering people to succeed.

A ccountable - To be accountable for the effective and efficient management of resources.

I nformed - To be informed and guided in our decisions by appropriate and valid data.

Team players - To be an effective and efficient team of professionals.

H armonious - To be inclusive involve all parties, both external and internal, who need to be part of the

process.

HAVE FAITH : Together we help change lives.

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of experience as a teacher, instructor, or counselor in a recreational program plus two years of experience in recreation therapy; OR A bachelor's degree in a rehabilitation, recreation, or therapy field, a physical education field, or psychology plus two years of experience in recreation therapy; OR Possession of certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in accordance with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification plus two years of experience in recreation therapy; OR An advanced degree in a rehabilitation, recreation, or therapy field, a physical education field, or psychology plus one year of experience in recreation therapy.

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here .

Job Duties and Other Information

• Accomplishes work through technical direction of lower-level therapeutic recreation personnel.
• Assists in the performance evaluation of lower-level therapeutic recreation personnel.
• Determines work assignments, priorities, and procedures for employees.
• Gives advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on clinical matters.
• Develops performance standards.
• Identifies developmental and training needs of employees, providing or arranging for needed development and training.
• Directs and organizes such activities as sports, dramatics, games, and arts and crafts to assist patients to develop interpersonal relationships, to socialize effectively, and to develop confidence needed to participate in group activities.
• Instruct clients in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, concentration, and other activities.
• Regulates content of program in accordance with patients or clients capabilities, needs, and interests.
• Instruct clients in calisthenics, stretching and limbering exercises, and individual and group sports.
• Counsels and encourages clients to develop leisure activities.
• Organizes and conducts special outings, such as ball games, sightseeing, or picnics to make patients aware of available recreational resources.
• Prepares progress charts and periodic reports for medical staff and other members of treatment team, reflecting client's reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
• May supervise and conduct in-service training of other staff members, review their assessments and program goals, and consult with them on selected cases.
• May supervise groups of volunteers and students in techniques of recreation therapy.
• May serve as consultant to other state agencies, educational institutions, and community health programs.
• May be required to provide some diversionary recreation or creative arts activities and services from time to time or on a continuing basis, in addition to medically prescribed therapy activities.

The incumbent of this position will serve as the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for Acadiana Center for Youth. No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. The Office of Juvenile Justice will receive a list of eligible applicants ONLY from the people who respond to this posting. To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. *Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.*
For further information about this vacancy contact: Garilyn London OJJ/ Human Resources ... In the supplemental questions section, applicants must authorize the HR Office of Juvenile Justice to contact prior employers to check references under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) to be considered for employment.
The Office of Juvenile Justice is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment-related resources available for those with disabilities, refer to the Louisiana Employment Resource Guide . If you are contacted for an interview, please let us know at that time if you will need special accommodations. NOTE: Prior to an appointment, the selected applicant must take and pass a drug screening test, possess a valid Louisiana Driver's License and clear a background check.

This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.