Competence is defined as "the quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually" (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=competency). A list of competencies to work in TR can be found below:
- Levels of Competency
- Level 1, Beneficence (Do No Harm): Basic and general competencies that a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) can do in any type of setting after a basic orientation to the specific unit and setting assuming successful completion of the facility’s orientation (e.g., fire and safety, hazards, etc.). Supervision is easily attainable (readily available) within the treatment setting whenever the therapist has questions or is in of supervision. Level 1 does not qualify the professional to take clients off of the facility’s campus without supervision. At the Level 1 the therapist is able to provide basic supervision for recreational therapy support personnel (e.g., volunteers, aides).
- Level 2, Mastery Level: The therapist successfully demonstrates competencies contained within Level 1. The therapist demonstrates the ability to perform all aspects of the job including knowing when to refer to specialists or to seek assistance. Demonstrates independent clinical judgment to perform all aspects of job. Level 2 indicates that the therapist has demonstrated the competencies required to take clients off of the facility’s campus without supervision.
- Level 3, Teacher: Demonstrates specialized skills related to teaching and supervision of others. An individual at Level 3 must be able to successfully demonstrate all competencies from Levels 1 and 2 and must have a minimum of two years experience within the environment or disability group for which s/he will supervise a student intern.
- Primary Methods of Achieving and Measuring Competency:
- Workshop/Inservice Attendance: Therapists attends a workshop or inservice whose content is equal to or greater than the knowledge and skill base required. This level of measurement is assuming a great deal: that the therapist was actively listening and participating, and that the content provided the knowledge and skill base adequately and accurately and that the therapist was able to translate the material into knowledge and skills needed for practice.
- Self-Education with Written Test: The therapist successfully completes an independent study whose content is equal to or greater than the knowledge and skill base required and whose content has been developed and accepted by a recognized group. Successful completion is defined as having passed a test on the content of the material. "Recognized group" could include professional organizations, institutions of higher education or other recognized groups of professionals, including a facility’s clinical competency or staff education committee.
- Verbalize Knowledge Base: The therapist is able to verbally (or otherwise communicate) the content required in adequate detail to demonstrate a clear understanding. The content of the knowledge base may be determined to be meeting standards if it: 1. demonstrates enough understanding for beneficence, 2. contains content with a scope and detail considered adequate when compared to professional literature and standards and 3. satisfies requirements for job performance.
- Demonstrated Skill: The therapist is able to demonstrate the skill required with adequate technique to show a clear ability. The level of skill may be determined to meet standards if it: 1. shows enough technique for beneficence, 2. displays proficiency with a scope and detail considered adequate when compared to professional literature and standards and 3. satisfies requirements for job performance.
- Credentialing: The therapist holds proof of competence through a recognized credentialing agency achieved through a process of demonstrated knowledge and skill. Recognized credentialing agencies include (but are not limited to) the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, the American Red Cross, state and federal agencies.
- List of Competencies
- Demonstrate skill related to leadership skills
- Holds basic knowledge of life stages
- Knowledge of common side effects of general medication groups
- Working knowledge of common diagnosis including ability to define physical and emotional ramifications
- Holds basic knowledge of other disciplines
- Holds basic knowledge of ethics related to practice and can demonstrate understanding in his/her day-to-day practice
- Holds fundamental knowledge of types of legal status and using this knowledge can support the facility’s policies for implementation relating to legal status
- Demonstrates a working knowledge of standards of practice (JCAHO, HCFA, CARF, NCQA, ATRA/NTRS, etc.)
- Knowledge of treatment outcomes
- Knowledge of cognition
- Knowledge of how the neuromuscular system works and impacts function
- More extensive list found at http://www.recreationtherapy.com/professsional-competency.htm
