Description
Elgin Mental Health Center, a State of Illinois operated facility, is looking for Therapeutic Recreation interns. The TR Intern will work under the supervision of one of our SIX Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs) to gain hands-on experience in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic recreation services. Further hands-on experience includes: working with a multi-disciplinary treatment team, establishing and maintaining therapeutic rapport with clients, supervising all-unit activities (indoors and outdoors), establishing and keeping personal boundaries, and HIPAA. The intern will learn about the court fitness process/terminology (consumers who are Unfit to Stand Trial, Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, Not Not Guilty, etc), theim dates, discharge planning, as well as how different mental illnesses present in individuals.
Requirements
Elgin Mental Health Center is a 400 bed facility with a forensic treatment program and a civil program. It is located approximately 40 miles West of Chicago. The internship will be 14 consecutive weeks with hours typically 8am-4pm Monday through Friday. This is an unpaid internship.
Internship requirements include, but are not limited to:
- Establishing and maintaining boundaries with clients.
- An understanding of mental illness/behavioral health.
- Familiarity with HIPAA.
- CPR, BLS training.
- Enrollment in an accredited Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy program.
- Completion of required coursework as determined by academic institution.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Commitment to professionalism, inclusivity, and client-centered care.
Key responsibilities of the Therapeutic Recreation intern include:
*Assist in conducting client assessments and documenting leisure interests, abilities, and goals.
*Support the planning and facilitation of therapeutic recreation programs (individual and group-based).
*Adapt activities to meet physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of participants.
*Observe and apply therapeutic recreation interventions and treatment techniques.
*Maintain accurate documentation, progress notes, and evaluations in accordance with facility standards.
*Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and safety procedures at all times.