Dawn K Joseph
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
Dynamic Recreation Therapist with 18+ years of experience in enhancing participant engagement through innovative program planning and execution. Proven leadership abilities foster high levels of participation in daily activities, while strong management and interpersonal skills ensure effective collaboration and communication within teams. Expertise in care planning, budgeting, and training administration, combined with a calm demeanor for de-escalating challenging situations, contributes to a supportive and positive environment for all participants. Committed to promoting well-being and personal growth through tailored recreational programs that inspire and motivate individuals.
Experienced with developing evidence-based therapeutic plans tailored to individual needs. Utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy methods to address variety of behavioral issues effectively. Strong understanding of patient engagement and therapeutic rapport-building for sustained client success.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Activities Behavioral Therapist
Bayonne Medical Center
Bayonne, NJ
01.2010 - Current
- Inpatient Voluntary Psychiatry Unit
Recreation Director
NCC Adult Medical Daycare / Nursing Care Center
Newark, NJ
03.2006 - 12.2009
- Managed daily operations of recreation department, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff and senior volunteers to enhance therapeutic recreation skills and techniques.
- Developed and implemented recreational programs tailored to meet diverse client needs.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to integrate recreational activities into patient care plans.
- Coordinated Housing concerns, Social service needs and provided In home visits for wellness checks
Recreation Coordinator
St. Ann Adult Daycare Special Needs Clients
Jersey City, NJ
01.2004 - 06.2006
- Developed and implemented engaging recreational programs for special needs clients.
- Coordinated daily activities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
- Monthly Inventory and Budget managing
- Quarterly Careplanning, Weekly Treatment assessments daily progress notes
- Family and community engagements
- Collaborated with staff to tailor programs based on individual client needs.
Recreation Director
St Cloud Nursing Home & Sub Acute
West Orange, NJ
06.2004 - 03.2006
- Key responsibilities: planning and providing therapeutic activities to patients seeking acute stability, patience, support, intervention and distraction, most times just a listening ear with other special needs along with writing care plans, Treatment plan meetings and Assessments providing 1:1 with patients in need.
Recreation Assistant Manager
Bristol Manor Rehabilation & Nursing Home
Rochelle Park, NJ
04.2000 - 03.2003
- Facilitated engaging recreational activities to enhance resident socialization and well-being.
- Assisted in planning and implementing personalized activity programs for diverse resident needs.
- Coordinated transportation logistics for off-site events, ensuring safe and timely travel for residents.
- Monitored resident participation in activities, providing feedback to improve engagement strategies.
- Trained new staff on recreational program protocols and best practices for resident interaction.
- Led group sessions focused on physical wellness, promoting active lifestyles among residents.
Recreation Therapist
Children Specialize Hospital
Fanwood, NJ
06.1999 - 04.2000
- Developed individualized treatment plans to enhance children's physical, emotional, and social well-being.
- Implemented therapeutic activities that promote skill development and foster peer relationships among patients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate patient progress and adjust interventions accordingly.
- Led recreational therapy sessions that engaged children in creative and therapeutic play activities.
- Conducted assessments to identify patient needs and tailor programs for optimal engagement and recovery.
Education
B.A - Recreation Therapy
Kean University
Union, NJ05.2008
A.A.S -
Hudson County Community College
Jersey City, NJ06.1998
Activities Directors Certification - Activities Director Certification Program
Future Focus Inc
Ridgewood, NJ07.2002
Skills
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Monthly Calendar
- Leadership & Training
- Community Collaborating
- Budgeting
- Multicultural competence
- One-on-one sessions
- Crisis intervention
- Building rapport
- Treatment Planning
Timeline
Activities Behavioral Therapist
Bayonne Medical Center
01.2010 - Current
Recreation Director
NCC Adult Medical Daycare / Nursing Care Center
03.2006 - 12.2009
Recreation Director
St Cloud Nursing Home & Sub Acute
06.2004 - 03.2006
Recreation Coordinator
St. Ann Adult Daycare Special Needs Clients
01.2004 - 06.2006
Recreation Assistant Manager
Bristol Manor Rehabilation & Nursing Home
04.2000 - 03.2003
Recreation Therapist
Children Specialize Hospital
06.1999 - 04.2000
B.A - Recreation Therapy
Kean University
A.A.S -
Hudson County Community College
Activities Directors Certification - Activities Director Certification Program
Future Focus Inc
COMMUNICATION
Daily Huddles of Patient with team of Doctors, Nurses, Social workers and Behavioral Health Techs to plan and design daily support of Unit. This engagement is vital for the floor to function daily.
LEADERSHIP
As an Activities Therapist at an Inpatient Psych Unit, I aim to maintain a positive environment through healthy engagement. This is a supportive Milieu. Journaling encourages therapeutic groups, meditation, sensory, music therapy, mandala art, coping skills, stress managing plus more