Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist (Rec Therapist) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee at Emory Valley Center Inc

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Specialist is responsible for facilitating group and individual support services for adults who are dually diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. Using a holistic and strengths-based approach, the PSR Specialist implements therapeutic programming that supports recovery, social integration, emotional regulation, and functional living skills.

This role is guided by person-centered thinking and recovery-oriented principles, ensuring that all services promote autonomy, respect people’s preferences, and reflect the mission and vision of Emory Valley Center (EVC). The PSR Specialist collaborates closely with interdisciplinary team members to enhance the emotional and behavioral well-being of the people served.

The PSR Specialist contributes to the organization’s ongoing mission to build and strengthen our internal culture with compassion, forward thinking, quality, value and respect for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to enhance the lives of those we serve.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate psychosocial rehabilitation groups focused on life skills, emotional regulation, and recovery using a person-centered and strengths-based approach.
• Develop and maintain individualized treatment plans with measurable, achievable goals that promote skill development, independence, and successful community integration in accordance with PSR program requirements.
• Create and implement monthly lesson plans and curriculum that include therapeutic discussion topics, skill-building activities, and relevant educational materials.
• Provide direct education and support to enhance emotional, cognitive, educational, vocational, and social functioning for people receiving services, aligned with Psychosocial Rehabilitation standards.
• Monitor and assess progress toward people’s goals through observation and collaboration with the person receiving services and their Circle of Support (COS).
• Complete all required clinical documentation, including treatment plans, progress notes, and summaries, in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, MCOs, and agency standards.
• Maintain organized and confidential records that meet the documentation and quality assurance requirements for PSR services and regulatory entities.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and enhance service delivery; engage in regular correspondence with COS members, families, and external stakeholders as appropriate.
• Promote ongoing program improvement and expansion through the development of curriculum, service materials, and procedures under the guidance of the Clinical Services Director.
• Participate in internal team meetings, case consultations, and required training to support clinical excellence and professional growth. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Clinical Services Director, Senior Vice President of Operations, or President, in alignment with the mission and vision of Emory Valley Center.
• Perform other related special projects and duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field which may include special education, social work, recreational therapy, psychology, or counseling.
• Prior experience of working with individuals diagnosed with an intellectual/developmental disability preferred.
• Prior experience with group therapy format preferred.
• Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Duties may require occasional after-hours work and travel to organizational sites.
• Required training/certifications provided by the organization including CPR/First Aid.

KEY BEHAVIORS/QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:

• Maintains strict confidentiality and adheres to HIPAA and agency standards.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence when working with individuals, families, and colleagues.
• Applies sound judgment and ethical decision-making in all aspects of service delivery.
• Communicates clearly and professionally in both verbal and written formats.
• Exhibits a person-centered mindset and promotes individual autonomy and dignity.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to multitask in dynamic environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems.
• Embraces continuous learning and remains current on best practices in IDD and behavioral health services.

REPORTING STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position reports directly to the Clinical Services Director.
• The PSR Specialist works under the clinical guidance and direction of licensed behavioral health professionals to deliver person-centered psychosocial rehabilitation services.
• While the PSR Specialist does not hold hiring or disciplinary authority, they are responsible for independently facilitating group and individual services in accordance with treatment plans and program standards.
• Collaborates closely with the Clinical Services Director, therapists, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure integration and continuity of services across settings.
• Participates in team meetings, case consultations, and service planning sessions to support coordination of care and goal alignment.
• Assists in the development and implementation of curriculum, group materials, and service documentation tools that meet agency standards and regulatory requirements.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES:

Data Utilization: Accurately collects and uses observational data to inform service planning.

Human Interaction: Engages individuals with empathy and professionalism; builds trusting, supportive relationships.

Verbal Aptitude: Clearly communicates information and instructions in group and individual settings.

Mathematical Aptitude: Applies basic math in documentation and activity planning as needed.

Functional Reasoning: Responds appropriately to individual needs and behavioral concerns.

Situational Reasoning: Makes sound decisions in real-time scenarios and during crisis response.

Technology Aptitude: Uses EHRs and office technology proficiently for documentation and communication.

ADA COMPLIANCE / PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANALYSIS:

Physical Ability: Tasks require light physical effort, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, and occasional lifting of materials up to 25 lbs. Frequent movement between seated and standing positions and engagement with individuals in varied physical environments.

Sensory Requirements: Must be able to observe behaviors and respond to verbal and nonverbal cues; strong auditory and visual acuity required.

Environmental Factors: Work is primarily conducted indoors with occasional community-based outings; may involve exposure to behavioral episodes or hygiene-related concerns.

Physical Demands Analysis

Standing And Walking

Tasks: During training, observation, or community-based activities, varies based on site visits and community settings.

Surface: Floors are hard, may have carpet

Estimated Total Hours: _1-2_ Maximum Continuous Time: _.5-1_

Sitting

Tasks: Often at a desk, in meetings, or while driving between service locations

Estimated Total Hours: _4-6_ Maximum Continuous Times: _8_

Lifting/Carrying

Objects: Includes files, laptops, small equipment, and occasional materials

Pushing/Pulling

Objects: May occur when transporting supplies or materials

Frequency: Occasionally

Climbing

Tasks: Going to other areas within the building to retrieve files, documents, or attend meetings. May include community or residential settings.

Device: Stairs

Frequency: Occasionally

Bending/Squatting/Kneeling

Tasks: bend, squat, or kneel to access lower file drawers, retrieve items stored in lower cabinets, or May be required during behavioral observation or when working.

Frequency: Occasionally

Reaching

Tasks: accessing files, office supplies, or materials stored on shelves or in cabinets