35 Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Therapeutic Recreation Specialist interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. How well do you handle stress?
How to Answer
This common interview question allows the interviewer to gauge how you might handle stressful situations at work. How you handle stress gives insight into your soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, communication, and leadership. Describe how you handle stress, and focus on the positive actions you take when dealing with a stressful situation.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I handle stress extremely well. I don't focus on the cause of the stress or how it might negatively affect me. Instead, I focus on how to diminish the stress and solve the problem. For example, when I was going to school for my bachelor's degree, I felt stressed by all the assignments I had to complete. Instead of becoming overwhelmed, I bought a day planner and wrote a checklist and timeline of when projects and papers were due. Once I became more organized, I did not feel as stressed about the assignments."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
2. What excites you the most about a career as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear what motivates you to work as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and what aspect you like the most. It may be that you love seeing patients improve with therapy, you enjoy creating treatment plans with various activities, or you get excited when you see patients become more socially active. Describe what makes you excited about going to work every day.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"What excites me the most about working as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is teaching patients the social skills needed to gain employment and become and remain independent. It brings me great joy when I see my patient's happiness when learning these skills and becoming socially active."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
3. What do you like most about a teaching career?
How to Answer
When working as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, you will teach patients how to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. You will also teach them how to integrate into society and adapt to certain activities after becoming disabled. Explain to the interviewer what part of your career you like most so they can see what motivates you as a teacher and if your values align with the company culture.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"What I like most about a career in teaching is seeing my patients improve their mental health by following the methods I teach them. When I have a patient who is depressed, anxious, and has suicidal thoughts and I see them recover and enjoy life, that is by far the best part of my job."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
4. What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?
How to Answer
This question is commonly asked during interviews because the interviewer wants to see that you have the skills and qualities they are looking for in their ideal candidate. If you review the job description, you will see the qualities the organization is looking for. These might include leadership, listening, and communication skills. Identify one of those qualities that you believe is your greatest strength, and emphasize why it helps you as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is my leadership skills. I have a strong ability to plan, create, and implement intervention programs and motivate my patients to participate in various activities. Having strong leadership skills helps me as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist because I understand how to encourage and inspire others, communicate and listen well, delegate responsibilities, and solve problems using critical-thinking skills."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
5. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
This is another commonly asked interview question, and it is best to have an answer prepared. The interviewer wants to see that you are self-aware and can identify an area that can be improved and take action to do that. Describe a weakness relevant to the position but not one that would be a deal-breaker to the employer. When answering, identify the weakness, explain what you are doing to improve it, and end on a positive note by describing how you are turning the weakness into a strength.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness is that I tend to have a hard time delegating tasks to others. It's not that I don't feel like others can complete tasks to my liking, but I am an independent person and am used to doing everything by myself. I have identified this as a weakness and have enrolled in a leadership course, where I am learning to determine others' strengths and delegate tasks accordingly. I have found it to be relatively easy and am learning a lot about effective leadership."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
6. What are you passionate about?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear why you are passionate about working as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and what motivates you the most. It may be that you love seeing patients improve with therapy, you enjoy creating treatment plans with various activities, or you get excited when you see patients become more socially active. Describe an activity, skill, hobby, or idea that you are passionate about, explain why you are passionate about it and how you have pursued this passion, and relate it to the job of Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am passionate about my volunteer work with the Special Olympics. I have a little brother with Downs Syndrome and began volunteering with the Olympics when I was thirteen years old, and my brother started competing. I am passionate about the Special Olympics because of the joy and excitement it brings to the competitors' faces and the friendships it creates. This passion is what led me to become a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and I cannot think of a better career choice."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
7. Why did you leave your last position?
How to Answer
The interviewer is interested in hearing the reason why you left your last position. It might be that you were let go due to budget cuts, terminated for a discrepancy, left to pursue a more fulfilling type of work, or are changing careers. If you were fired, describe what happened and what you have learned from that experience. Be sure not to talk poorly about coworkers or supervisors, as it will make you look bad in the interviewer's eyes. Explain your reason for leaving your last position.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I left my last position to focus on completing my internship and pursuing a career as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. My previous job was working in a battered women's shelter as a counselor. I could not commit to the hours they needed while completing my internship, so I had to give my two weeks' notice. I left on good terms with my supervisor, and I still volunteer there twice a month."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
8. How did you hear about this position?
How to Answer
There are many ways you could have heard about the position, such as an online job board, a recruiter, a friend or family member, or through the company's website. Organizations pay a lot of money to advertise their job openings, and they want to see which methods are most effective. If you were referred by one of their employees, be sure to mention the person's name, because some companies pay their employees a referral fee for referring qualified applicants.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I heard about the position from a recruiter named Doris Potter. She sent me a message on LinkedIn and asked if I would be interested in looking at the job announcement since I meet all the requirements for the position. I agreed to look at the link and was excited to learn there was an opening with your organization."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
9. Tell me what you know about our organization.
How to Answer
Before any job interview, it is best to research the organization and learn as much as possible. You will inevitably be asked a question about the company - who the CEO is, what areas and clientele they serve - or you may be asked a question about the job description. Review the organization's website, read patient or customer testimonials, reread the job description, and visit the company and talk to the staff. Show the interviewer that you have done your homework when asked this question.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"What I like about your organization is that you offer a revolutionary neuro rehab program that takes patients outside the walls of institutional settings and into nature and their communities. Your CEO, John Babcock, believes that removing the walls promotes greater health, well-being, and independence throughout the recovery process. Your organization was founded in 1993 by the CEO's father, Dr. Babcock. This company has received awards for excellence in the field and is known for its innovative therapies. For those reasons, I am excited to be interviewing for this position."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
10. Who is your mentor?
How to Answer
A mentor is someone you look up to and who guides you personally and professionally. A mentor shares information about their career path. They are a positive role model, and they provide motivation, guidance, and emotional or spiritual support. Use a real person, such as a guidance counselor or professor, who has guided you, and give an example of how their mentorship helped you succeed in your role as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"My mentor is my high school psychology teacher, Mr. Adkinson. I was fascinated by psychology, and he encouraged me to pursue a career in therapy. He spent time with me researching different occupations and felt that recreation therapy would be the best fit for me. Mr. Adkinson then found a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who agreed to let me shadow her to see what the job entails. I spent two years volunteering with the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and decided this was the career path I wanted to pursue. Mr. Adkinson then helped me find the best college to attend to receive my bachelor's degree and helped me with the admissions paperwork. He has supported me the entire time and has been a wonderful mentor."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
11. If hired, would you be available to work an occasional weekend, if needed?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see if you can fulfill the requirements of the job if hired. If there is a need for an occasional weekend, it most likely would have been posted in the job description. The interviewer wants to see if you have outside obligations that keep you from fulfilling their needs and if your schedule is flexible. To be an eligible candidate, it is recommended that you offer to work the occasional weekend if necessary.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I am available to work weekends if needed. My previous job required me to work every other weekend on community projects, so I am used to working weekends."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
12. What do you like to do in your free time?
How to Answer
The interviewer may feel like they know about you professionally after reviewing your application and resume, but they also want to know about your interests outside of work. The activities and hobbies you enjoy doing in your free time give the interviewer a glimpse into your personality and will help them determine if you will be a good fit for the team. Describe healthy activities or hobbies you enjoy that will also be relevant to the position, such as staying in shape, reducing stress, or being creative.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my free time, I love spending time with my family outdoors. We enjoy nature and spend every weekend biking, sailing, hiking, and skiing in the winter. I also enjoy cooking healthy meals from my vegetable garden, watercolor painting, and reading."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
13. If hired, would you be available to travel if needed?
How to Answer
Usually, the company will put in their job description if travel is required as part of the job. If they did advertise travel is needed, you should realize that going into the interview. If they did not, you will have to decide if travel conflicts with any outside obligations you have, such as childcare or higher education. Be honest with the interviewer, and explain that you are available to travel if hired, but if you have to make arrangements for something, let them know you would need a bit of notice. The more flexible and agreeable you are, the better it will look to the interviewer.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"If hired, I would be available to travel when needed. I would need a day or two advance notice so I could arrange childcare for my daughter. My mother and aunt live in the area and can watch my daughter when I travel, but I need to let them know a day or two in advance because they also love to take trips. I also have other babysitters, so finding someone to take care of my daughter would not be an issue."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
14. Tell me about yourself.
How to Answer
Interviewers often ask this as the first question to break the ice and see what direction the interview will take. How you respond can lead the interviewer down a specific path of questions, or they may eliminate some questions if you answer them in your introduction. Give a brief synopsis of yourself related to your profession, starting with why you decided to pursue this career, where you are currently working or where you recently graduated from, and where you see yourself in the future.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Five years ago, I was working as an EMT and looking for a career change. I wanted to stay in healthcare but was looking into other options. I had a call at a group home and saw a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist working with a group of kids and decided that was what I wanted to do. Four years later, I became certified and have been working in that same group home. I am applying to your organization because the group home lost funding, and the home will be closing in a month. I am excited to be interviewing with your organization because it seems like the same environment as the group home, which I loved."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
15. How do you like to stay in shape?
How to Answer
Working as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, you must stay physically fit. You will lift and assist patients, teach dance and movement, and participate in other physical activities. The interviewer wants to hear what activities you enjoy doing to stay in shape, which gives them a glimpse of your personality and shows them that you will be a good fit for their organization.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I like to stay in shape by going to the gym three times a week for strength training. For cardio, I enjoy mountain biking and trail running. I also participate in a yoga class three times a week, which helps with my flexibility."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
16. Why do you want to work for our organization?
How to Answer
Before any job interview, it is best to research the organization and learn as much as possible. You will inevitably be asked a question about their company, why you want to work for them, or how long the company has been in business. Review the organization's website, read patient or customer testimonials, analyze the job description, and visit the company and talk to the staff. Decide what drew you to their company and explain why you want to work for them.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I want to work for your organization because I decided that I wanted to work in the Federal Prison System while I was obtaining my bachelor's degree. I was previously a criminal justice major and switched to recreational therapy because I could help inmates with their rehabilitation through therapeutic recreation. I like that your organization is concerned about your inmates and provides comprehensive care and treatment through an inter-disciplinary approach. I am excited to have the opportunity to be part of your team."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
17. Where do you see yourself in five years?
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks where you see yourself in five years, they want to hear what professional goals you have set for yourself and if your plans include working for their organization. Explaining your professional goals gives the interviewer insight into your motivation and professional growth. Describe the goals you have set for yourself and how you plan to achieve those goals.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"In five years, I see myself working with your organization as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with an additional five years of experience and certifications. Over the next five years, I will be pursuing specialty certifications in developmental disabilities and community inclusion services."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
18. Why are you the best candidate for us?
How to Answer
There are likely many qualified candidates for the position, and the interviewer wants to see why you believe you are the best candidate. They want to hear what makes you the perfect person to hire for their organization. Review the job description and use words that are in the qualifications for their ideal candidate. For example, if the job description says they are looking for an energetic, creative, and compassionate Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with at least three years of experience and specific qualifications, use those keywords to emphasize why you are the best candidate for their organization.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am the best candidate for your organization because I meet all of your requirements for the job, and I am passionate about my work. I am creative, compassionate, and highly energetic, and I have over ten years of experience working with various types of patients. I have a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, I am certified through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, and my CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications are all current. I have exemplary past performance reviews and am highly recommended by previous employers."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
19. Do you have reliable transportation?
How to Answer
Interviewers are not supposed to ask if you have a vehicle, but they can ask if you have reliable transportation if it is a job requirement. They want to ensure that you will be on time for work and that transportation will not be an issue. Describe what type of reliable transportation will get you to work, such as walking, a bus, taxi, private vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I have many forms of reliable transportation. I live one mile from here, so if hired, I plan on walking or riding my bicycle. When we have inclement weather, I will drive my car. I have a new Subaru Outback I bought last year, and it's in perfect condition and very reliable."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
20. What three words would your former employer use to describe you?
How to Answer
When asked this question in an interview, you should use three words that are skills or qualities needed for the position. As a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, desirable attributes include patience, compassion, creativity, honesty, excellent communication, listening skills, leadership, and problem-solving and critical thinking skills. You can use past performance reviews or a letter of recommendation to find three words your former employer used to describe you. Give examples for each.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my past performance reviews, my previous employer described me as a patient, compassionate person with excellent communication skills. He said I am patient with even the most difficult individuals and have compassion for all around me. My previous employer also said my verbal and written communication skills were exemplary, and he would highly recommend me for the position of Therapeutic Recreation Specialist."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
21. Do you have any questions for me?
How to Answer
Interviewers will often ask if you have any questions for them at the end of the interview. It is always recommended to ask a question or two. This shows your eagerness and enthusiasm for the position. Be sure not to ask questions that could be answered by reviewing their website or job description. It is recommended to avoid asking about salary or benefits, which are usually outlined in the job description or covered by Human Resources when offered the job.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I do have a few questions. When do you anticipate you will fill this position, and how will you notify the candidates?"
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Direct
22. Why did you choose a career as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?
How to Answer
There are many reasons one might choose to enter the field of recreation therapy, otherwise known as therapeutic recreation. The interviewer will ask this question to gain better insight into your personality and what motivates you. Some examples of why you have chosen this career might include a mentor or guidance counselor encouraging you to enter this field, having a family member or friend in the field, having a loved one who has benefitted from a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, or a desire to give back to others. Briefly share your reason for choosing this career.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I chose a career as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist after visiting my mother in a psychiatric hospital when I was 16 years old. My mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and was admitted to a hospital for therapy. The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist helped my mother so much in her recovery, and I decided I wanted to enter this field and help others in the same way."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Education
23. Tell me about your education. How has it prepared you for a career as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?
How to Answer
If you made it to the interview, you have the education and qualifications the interviewer is looking for in a candidate. They can see where you went to school on your resume, but they are interested in hearing how your education prepared you for a career as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Describe your training, internship, volunteer work, certifications, and any other education that has prepared you for this career.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I received my bachelor's degree in recreation therapy from Arizona State University after completing a four-month internship at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. The internship and schooling prepared me for a career as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by allowing me to learn and practice in an acute hospital setting. I learned how to assess patients and create treatment plans based on their individual needs, how to use leisure and recreational activities to promote functional skills, how to help patients form positive attitudes, and how to teach community reintegration skills."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Experience
24. What was your biggest disappointment as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?
How to Answer
There may be times in your profession when you are disappointed with the way therapy went with a patient, a therapeutic recreation program being cut due to budget reasons, or not being chosen for a position with another organization. The interviewer wants to hear of a disappointment you have encountered and how you dealt with the situation.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"The biggest disappointment in my career was when the CEO eliminated a therapeutic program at the facility where I was working with dementia patients. The patients were making great progress with their memory, but the facility shut down the program due to budget cuts, and I lost my job."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Experience
25. What types of experiences do you have working with special populations?
How to Answer
As a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, you learn how to work with a variety of populations while obtaining a bachelor's degree and undergoing an internship. You may also have experience volunteering with special populations or working with specific groups, such as geriatrics or those with cognitive difficulties. The interviewer wants to know what experiences you have working with special populations to determine if you have experience with the clientele they serve.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have three years of experience working with patients with Downs Syndrome, one year of experience working with offenders in a correctional facility, and two years of experience working in a psychiatric hospital. I feel I have a very well-rounded understanding of how to work and adapt my activities to appeal to various types of patients."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Experience
26. Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks you to tell them when you made a mistake, they want to see if you are humble, honest, and can identify when you made a mistake. They want to hear how you recovered and learned from that mistake. When you answer this question, emphasize the qualities or skills you gained. Avoid mentioning an error that is critical for your success in this position, such as arguing with a patient or family member.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I made a mistake last year and thought my CPR card was good for one more year. I was working a job that required a current CPR card, and they asked for a copy of it for their files. When I pulled my card out of my wallet, I realized it expired the month before. I immediately informed my employer that my card was expired. I told them that I would get online right away and find a course to become current in CPR. My employer was understanding but told me I could not work until I became recertified. I found an online course that was accepted by my employer and was able to recertify the same day. Now, I put the expiration dates of all certifications and licenses in my calendar and receive an alert months before the expiration date so that will never happen again."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Operational
27. What is your favorite activity to do in recreation therapy?
How to Answer
There are many activities you might introduce in recreation therapy, such as music, sports, arts and crafts, aquatics, ropes courses, dance, and drama. The interviewer wants to know your favorite activity because you will most likely use that activity often. They also want to determine if your style and creativity align with their company's values. Describe your favorite activity and why you like using it in therapy.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"My favorite activity to use in recreation therapy is yoga. I like yoga because people of all ages and mental and physical abilities can participate. I can adapt yoga to be done on the floor or in a chair so that everyone can participate. I love to see the positive effects it has on my patients almost immediately. Yoga improves my patients' moods, calms their minds, enhances their immunity, and increases their balance and flexibility. I believe yoga is the perfect recreational activity to be used in therapy."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Operational
28. What makes you uncomfortable?
How to Answer
If an interviewer asks what makes you uncomfortable, they want to know if there is an aspect of the job that will affect your performance. Describe something that makes you uncomfortable and explain how you have learned to handle the discomfort. The interviewer wants to see how you problem-solve and handle difficult situations.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"It makes me uncomfortable when I am asked to put a PowerPoint presentation together. I do not have much experience with the program, so I feel like I will not do a good job. To avoid being uncomfortable in the future, I signed up for an online class that teaches the ins and outs of PowerPoint. It is an excellent class, and I am already feeling more comfortable in my abilities to use the software."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Situational
29. Describe the most creative work-related project you completed.
How to Answer
There are many ways that Therapeutic Recreation Specialists are creative in their work. Their treatment plans can use interventions such as dance, arts and crafts, animals, games, music, and sports. They must also be creative when adapting to a patient's specific needs. The interviewer wants to hear of a work-related project you completed that you would define as your most creative to gain insight into your personality and creativity.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I would say the most creative work-related project I completed was a community project with a group of at-risk youth. A new community center was built, and I was given permission for my group to paint a mural inside the gymnasium. They were given a theme and supplies, and the group used their vision and artistic abilities to create an incredible mural that they all took pride in."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Situational
30. Tell me how you assess a patient's needs before developing a treatment plan.
How to Answer
There are various ways to assess a patient's needs before developing a treatment plan for them. You can discuss the needs with the patient and family members, review medical records, observe and test the patient, and consult with other healthcare professionals. The interviewer wants to see how you work and what methods you use to assess your patients.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I assess my patient's needs by reviewing their medical records, speaking directly with the patient and their family members, and consulting with other healthcare professionals that are involved with the patient."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Situational
31. If you could choose between using animals, aquatics, or drama in your recreation therapy, which would you choose and why?
How to Answer
There are many different aspects of recreation therapy, and each has its purpose. The interviewer wants to see your critical thinking and creative side and why you choose animals, aquatics, or drama in your recreational therapies. Describe why you decided between the three and what population(s) that type of therapy would best serve.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I love using all three choices in my therapy, but if I had to choose one, I would pick animals. I have found that using animals in my recreation therapy works for the majority of the population. Animals can sense when someone is sad or ill and needs compassion, and my patients respond quite well to animal therapy. I think it is hard for anyone to turn down a cute little dog, rabbit, or baby goat."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Technical
32. What are the elements involved in establishing a therapeutic relationship?
How to Answer
There are many elements to establishing a therapeutic relationship that could be mentioned in your response. The qualities of a healthy therapeutic relationship include mutual trust, caring and respect, agreement on the goals of therapy, and collaboration during treatment. Excellent Therapeutic Recreation Specialists can talk with their patients and exchange negative emotional responses, share decision-making, and correct any issues or difficulties that may appear in the relationship. The interviewer wants to hear how you establish therapeutic relationships to see if your values align with the company culture.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"The elements involved in establishing a therapeutic relationship that have proven effective for me in my practice is to have mutual trust and respect, compassion for others, agreement on the goals of therapy, and cooperation for the therapy to be successful. I encourage open, honest communication and will not hesitate to change the treatment plan if something is not working. My main goal is for my patients to have recreation therapy that is effective for them."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Technical
33. Tell me about your assessment skills. What assessment tools are you familiar with?
How to Answer
The patient assessment is the foundation of the therapeutic recreation process. The assessment provides information to plan a treatment program, builds trust and rapport, and is the baseline for determining what additional assessment tools you will use. You can utilize many different assessment tools, and the interviewer wants to see which you are familiar with.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
" I feel confident in my assessment skills after interviewing over 100 patients during my schooling and internship. I was taught how to assess patients using various assessment tools based on the patient's needs and age. I am familiar with the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Modified Differential Emotions Scale, and the Big Five Personality Test. I have also used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and the Idyll Arbor Leisure Battery in my assessments."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Technical
34. How would you define excellent patient care?
How to Answer
Excellent patient care can be defined in many ways. It can be greeting all patients with a smile, actively listening when they are talking, communicating clearly, having compassion, and adjusting your treatment modalities to fit the patient's needs. The interviewer wants to see how you define excellent patient care to see if you have the characteristics they are looking for in a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and if your values align with their company culture.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I would define excellent patient care as treating all patients with dignity and respect, calling patients by their preferred name when greeting them with a smile, and listening without interrupting when patients and their family members speak. Excellent patient care also includes clear communication, being empathetic to my patient's needs, and following up with them to ensure their treatment plan is working."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Technical
35. How are your documentation skills?
How to Answer
You must have impeccable documentation skills as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. You will be documenting the patient's treatment plans, progress, and interventions as part of their medical records. These records will be seen by other healthcare professionals and must be thorough and complete. The interviewer wants to hear you describe your perception of your documentation skills and areas that need improvement. Since documentation skills are crucial in this profession, you may not be considered a strong candidate if your documentation skills are less than excellent.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have been told I have excellent documentation skills. One of the classes I took while obtaining my bachelor's degree was a course specifically on documentation. I had an outstanding professor who taught us the importance of documentation, and I received an 'A' in the class. For the past three years, I have worked as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and the Quality Assurance Review Board at my previous job never once returned or questioned any of my reports."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2021