What does a recreation specialist do?
The duties of a recreational specialist vary depending on their working environment. They most often occur in places where people live in longer conditions, such as assisted housing and prisons. Their task is to provide activities that improve the state of life and mental health to people in their care. Every recreation specialist must evaluate the physical and mental abilities of their clients and plan activities around these unique abilities. Sometimes this includes encounters with family or other carers to determine the most attractive leisure activities for these individuals. Activities are generally group with individual attention paid to as needed. Recreation specialists found in clinical environments such as hospital or mental health facility are often obliged to have background in therapy or psychology.
nursing homes and assisted life systems are one of the most common places to find a recreational specialist. Specialist is planning akTivity, such as art and crafts, music sessions and special guests for patient entertainment. Sometimes they organize excursions to local interesting places and many of them have monthly or weekly restaurants.
In prison, a recreational specialist has some of the same duties, but with more emphasis on physical fitness and appropriate activities for this type of environment. Activities such as the organization of sports games and concert booking are probably part of the duties of a recreational specialist in prison. The aim is to promote physical activity and at the same time improve the mental health of prisoners. Outdoor activities are often emphasized because the prisoners spend such a large part of their time in small places in the interior.
Therapeutic recreation specialist is similar to working with mentally or physically ill to develop healthy ways to spend time free time. Group activities are usually supported as they arefor trips, art or sport. The concept behind this is that the mind and the body are connected and can affect each other. A healthy social interaction with physical activity and the use of mental functions can improve overall health.
job prospects for recreational specialists look promising. Health care is generally an area that has consistent growth, and those who have the right education, experience and enthusiasm are due to demand. The salary for this type of work is generally modest but stable.