Adaptive Art Therapy Specialist
Shepherd Center

Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions.

Join us in our mission to help people with a temporary or permanent disability, rebuild their lives with hope, independence and dignity, advocating for their full inclusion in all aspects of community life.

At Shepherd Center, you'll discover a diverse and inclusive environment, enlightened leadership, a culture of teamwork, professionalism and mutual respect. If you are seeking career advancement, continuing education opportunities coupled with a welcoming and fun workplace, competitive compensation and employment benefits, visit our careers page to explore current openings.

Art Specialist
Working with individuals with disabilities (primarily SCI and ABI) teaching all different art mediums using adaptive equipment.

The Recreation Specialist is responsible for evaluating each patient (adolescent, adult, geriatric) assigned, determining short-term and long-term goals in conjunction with the patient and other Shepherd Center team members, and developing and implementing a comprehensive treatment program to meet these goals with moderate direct supervision. The specialist brings their expertise within the following specialty areas: Art, Music, or Sports. This hands-on and rewarding role gives the Recreation Specialist the opportunity to interact directly with patients, making an impact on their recovery through the rehabilitation continuum to their home community environment.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Recreation Specialist (Art, Music, Sports) is responsible for planning and implementing rehabilitation programs and events to meet the needs of patients and appropriate community members with disabilities within their specialty area. Job Functions:

• Teach, demonstrate, and lead the specialty skill area (Art, Music, Sports) to patients in center and within the community.
• Makes appropriate Recreation tech, day program, outpatient, and community member referrals.
• Completes all documentation and paperwork as needed.
• Determines adaptive equipment needs in consultation with patient support system and other appropriate team members.
• Manages and upkeep all equipment and adaptive equipment within the area of specialty.
• Supervises performance and assigns duties to supportive personnel (students, volunteers, aides, techs, nursing, therapists).
• Facilitates community reintegration outings.
• Drives Shepherd vehicles to transport patients to and from outings.
• Maintains awareness of, and contact with, community-based resources for patient referral and provides training as appropriate.
• Plans, implements, and recaps inhouse and community programming throughout the year.
• Recognizes and discusses age developmental differences between adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, communicates effectively with all patients, and relates this to all aspects of treatment.
• Assists with the orientation of Recreation Therapy Interns and new staff members as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

• Basic Life Support (CPR) certification

• 2-3 years of experience within the field of Recreation Therapy and/or within the specialty areas of arts, music, and sports.

• 1 year of experience within the specialty areas of arts, music, and sports and in the field area of Recreation Therapy.

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Certification by NCTRC as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
• The ability to teach, demonstrate, and lead patients on leisure skills of the specialty area using appropriate adaptive equipment.
• Current Georgia driver's license and insurable by Shepherd Center's auto insurance policy preferred.

• Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regards to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.

• Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 50 lbs.

• Normal patient care environment. Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids. Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.