Certified Recreational Therapist

Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Certified Recreational Therapist to join our dedicated healthcare team. In this role, you will design, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs that enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of diverse patient populations. Your expertise will help foster recovery, improve quality of life, and promote independence for individuals across various care settings, including senior care, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, and community programs. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference through engaging activities that inspire healing and joy.

Duties

• Develop and customize therapeutic recreation plans tailored to individual needs, preferences, and medical conditions.
• Facilitate group and individual therapy sessions utilizing techniques such as music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, yoga, equine experience, and recreational activities like swimming and dancing.
• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments to identify functional abilities, interests, and goals for recreation therapy interventions.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams—including nurses, social workers, psychologists, and medical staff—to integrate therapeutic activities into overall treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate documentation of patient progress, medical records, and therapy outcomes in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Manage intake procedures for new clients and oversee program development to ensure services meet community standards and client needs.
• Employ de-escalation techniques and crisis management strategies to ensure a safe environment during therapy sessions or behavioral health incidents.

Requirements

• Valid certification as a Recreational Therapist from an accredited organization such as the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
• Proven experience working with individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dementia (including Alzheimer’s care), PTSD care, hospice care, or geriatrics.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology, medical documentation practices, and patient assessment methods.
• Experience working in diverse settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, behavioral health hospitals, community care programs or special education environments.
• Skilled in program development for therapeutic recreation activities including art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, yoga, equine-assisted therapy or other innovative modalities.
• Excellent communication skills for client engagement and collaboration with healthcare teams.
• Ability to manage group therapy sessions effectively while demonstrating patience and empathy.
• Knowledge of HIPAA compliance standards and experience maintaining detailed medical records.
• Physical ability to participate in active recreational activities such as swimming or dancing; comfort working with elderly populations or individuals with complex needs is preferred.

Join us in creating vibrant programs that empower individuals to thrive through engaging recreational therapies! We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where your skills can truly make a difference in people’s lives while supporting your professional growth in the exciting field of recreational therapy.

Pay: $25.40 - $30.59 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person