How to Be Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 17, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Therapeutic recreation specialists are professionals who work with individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses to help them gain physical, mental, and emotional benefits through recreation activities. Through their expertise in leisure and recreation, they help people develop skills, create relationships, and improve overall health. The effects of their work can be seen in the improved quality of life for their clients, as participants are able to engage in meaningful leisure activities that can reduce stress and improve the physical and mental well-being.

By providing education, support, and resources to individuals with disabilities, therapeutic recreation specialists can help them become more independent and self-sufficient, while also helping to reduce the stigma associated with disability. Furthermore, they can also help to increase awareness of disability issues within the community and beyond.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a therapeutic recreation specialist is to earn a bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field such as psychology, sociology, or social work. During your undergraduate studies, you should also take courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, kinesiology, and other related courses.
Obtain Professional Certification. After you have earned your bachelors degree, you will need to become certified in therapeutic recreation. To do this, you must complete an approved therapeutic recreation program and pass the national certification exam offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Get Licensed. Depending on where you live and work, you may also need to obtain a license to practice as a therapeutic recreation specialist. Each state has different licensing requirements, so be sure to research your states specific requirements before you apply for a license.
Complete Continuing Education Courses. To maintain your certification and license as a therapeutic recreation specialist, you must complete continuing education courses on a regular basis. These courses are designed to keep you up-to-date on the latest developments in the field and help you stay abreast of changes in the industry.
Join Professional Organizations. Becoming a member of professional organizations, such as the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), is also a great way to stay informed and connected with other professionals in the field. These organizations offer networking opportunities and provide access to valuable resources that can help you advance your career.

The key to staying ahead and capable as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is to stay up to date with current trends and best practices in the field. This can be accomplished by continually engaging in professional development activities such as attending conferences, workshops, or webinars, as well as networking with other professionals. staying knowledgeable about local, state, and federal regulations related to therapeutic recreation services can help ensure compliance.

Finally, having a deep understanding of the population served and the therapeutic recreation process can help ensure that services are delivered in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. Doing these things can help ensure that therapeutic recreation specialists remain ahead and capable in the field.

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Job Description

Develop, implement, and evaluate leisure education and recreation programs for individuals with physical, mental, emotional, and social disabilities.
Identify appropriate leisure activities and recreation programs for clients with disabilities.
Coordinate leisure activities and recreation programs for clients with disabilities.
Provide assistance to clients in developing and maintaining leisure and recreational goals.
Develop and implement individualized leisure and recreation plans for clients with disabilities.
Monitor client progress in leisure activities and provide feedback to clients and their families.
Coordinate volunteer programs and activities related to leisure activities and recreation programs.
Educate staff, family members, and other professionals on the importance of leisure activities and recreation programs for clients with disabilities.
Serve as a liaison between the community and clients to ensure access to recreational activities.
Research and provide information on specialized equipment and assistive technology for recreational activities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
Understanding of psychological and physical disabilities
Knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles and practices
Knowledge of leisure-based assessment tools and techniques
Understanding of therapeutic recreation interventions
Ability to develop recreation programs and activities
Ability to lead and facilitate recreation activities
Knowledge of adaptive technologies and adaptive recreation
Understanding of community resources and support programs
Knowledge of legislation, regulations and standards related to therapeutic recreation
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Understanding of therapeutic recreation safety guidelines
Knowledge of recreational equipment and supplies
Ability to document progress and outcomes
Ability to collaborate with other professionals

As a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, the most important skill to have is the ability to build relationships with those you are working with. This skill allows you to create trust, which is essential for creating a successful therapeutic environment. The ability to build relationships also allows you to understand the needs of the individual and create interventions tailored to their specific needs.

As a result, this can help them to make positive changes in their life and improve their overall wellbeing. having strong communication skills is also important, as it allows you to effectively communicate with clients and other professionals. Listening skills are also essential, as they allow you to understand the needs and concerns of the individual.

Lastly, having an understanding of therapeutic recreation principles and practices is important, as this gives you the knowledge needed to help individuals achieve their goals.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with clients in a therapeutic recreation setting?
How do you think the role of a therapeutic recreation specialist can positively impact individuals with disabilities?
Describe a time when you successfully organized an event or program for individuals with disabilities.
How do you ensure that all individuals are included in programs and activities?
What strategies do you use to address challenging behaviors in individuals with disabilities?
Describe your experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team.
How do you stay up to date with the latest evidence-based practices in therapeutic recreation?
How would you go about developing a new program or activity tailored to the needs of a particular client?
How do you handle conflicts between clients or staff members?
What makes you stand out as a therapeutic recreation specialist?

Common Tools in Industry

Assessment Tools. Tools used to evaluate an individuals abilities, needs, and interests in recreational activities. (e. g. the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure)
Program Planning Tools. Tools used to identify and plan recreational activities that meet the needs of an individual or group. (e. g. the Leisure Ability Battery)
Activity Modification Tools. Tools used to modify activities to better meet the individuals needs and interests. (e. g. Adaptive Equipment)
Advocacy Tools. Tools used to promote the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate in recreation activities. (e. g. Inclusion Training)
Communication Tools. Tools used to facilitate communication between individuals, recreation providers, and other stakeholders. (e. g. Assistive Technology)
Evaluation Tools. Tools used to measure the effectiveness of therapeutic recreation interventions. (e. g. Outcome Measurement)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
International Therapeutic Recreation Association (ITRA)
World Leisure Organization (WLO)
American Camp Association (ACA)
Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA)
National Association for Activity Professionals (NAAP)
American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA)
Association of Professional Therapists in Recreation and Leisure Services (APTRLS)

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Common Important Terms

Recreation Therapy. A type of therapy that uses leisure activities to improve physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.
Therapeutic Recreation. A form of health care that uses activities to improve physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning.
Leisure Education. The process of teaching individuals skills and knowledge related to leisure activities, such as sports, hobbies, and outdoor activities.
Disability Awareness. Understanding and educating others on the various types of disabilities and their impact on an individual's life.
Funology. The science of recreation and leisure activities to promote health and well-being.
Adaptive Recreation. Recreational activities designed to accommodate physical and cognitive limitations.
Recreation Planning. The process of creating a plan for recreation services and activities for a particular population or organization.
Inclusion. A principle of recreational programming that allows individuals of all abilities to participate in activities together.
Community Integration. The process of helping individuals with disabilities or special needs become part of their community through recreational activities and social interaction.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and managing potential risks associated with recreational activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?

To become a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, you must have a Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field, such as Recreation, Leisure Studies, or Psychology. You must also be certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

What skills are necessary for a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?

A Therapeutic Recreation Specialist needs to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as strong organizational and problem-solving skills. They should also have an understanding of health and wellness, as well as knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, interventions, and activities.

What kind of work does a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist do?

A Therapeutic Recreation Specialist works with individuals with disabilities or illnesses to help them improve their physical, cognitive, and social functioning. They create and implement structured recreation activities tailored to the needs of their clients, such as sports, music, art, and drama.

What is the average salary of a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?

The average salary of a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is approximately $45,000 per year.

How many hours do Therapeutic Recreation Specialists typically work?

Therapeutic Recreation Specialists typically work 40 hours per week in a variety of settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community centers.