Internship Opportunities in RIC's Therapeutic Recreation
Description of Therapeutic Recreation Field Placement Program
The Therapeutic Recreation Department at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) strives to assist people with disabilities back into an independent and fulfilling leisure lifestyle. The primary population of patients treated are individuals with a spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment and amputation and a leisure assessment is performed and a treatment plan is developed based on the patients rehabilitation goals and leisure interests. Treatment objectives can range from leisure skills training and community reintegration outings to leisure education sessions and recreational resource awareness. In addition to recreational therapy, music therapy, horticultural therapy, art therapy and animal assisted therapy may also be offered through the department.
The internship program accepts senior or graduate students majoring in therapeutic recreation. The program requirements include a minimum commitment of a 12-week placement and the intern is expected to work 40 hours a week, including some nights and weekends.
Interns selected are assigned by the director of the Therapeutic Recreation Department. Each intern will have a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) as their immediate supervisor. The intern is involved in all department meetings, including staff meetings, programming, in-services and accepts a portion of the staff’s patient caseload.
RIC’s Therapeutic Recreation Department provides office space and computer orientation/training as part of the internship placement. All travel related expenses directly attributed to assignments within the program will be covered, and allowance for parking and other activities related to the internship may be available based on the current budget.
Application Process
Standard procedure regarding internships involves the student contacting the director of the Therapeutic Recreation Department in writing or e-mail, expressing an interest in discussing the possibility of an internship. Along with this letter of interest, a resume and a completed Internship Application Form must be included.
Following a review of the Internship Application Form and resume, the candidate will be informed if an interview will be scheduled. Interviews may be conducted over the phone if an in-person interview cannot be arranged. Interns are then selected from the pool of applicants. This process usually takes place two to six months prior to the start of an individual’s desired internship.
General Responsibilities
Attend:
Weekly staff meetings
Patient team conferences
Sports program and TR in-services as scheduled
Suggested medical lectures or films (check with supervisor)
Weekly supervision to discuss progress, growth, activity, planning, problem areas, etc.
Meetings with other departments, staff or organizations as scheduled
Visit and Observe:
RIC clinical therapies (scheduled through supervisor)
One site visit to TR department in other facility (arrange on your own and report)
Two other TR joint therapy programs
Each of the currently scheduled RIC sports programs being held
TR individual inpatient assessments and corresponding team meetings
Program Responsibilities Will Include:
Provides participants with leisure assessment, treatment and education
Complete patient progress notes as appropriate
Assist TR staff with one special event, one out-trip activity and two in-house activities
Organize and lead two in-house TR special event
Completion of a major long term project to benefit the TR Program
To learn more about internship opportunities in RIC's Therapeutic Recreation Department, please call 312-238-3980.