Recreational Therapist

Recreational Therapist

Date Posted: May 18, 2026

Requisition ID: 477892

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46218-4869

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Neurodiagnostic Institute:

The Neurodiagnostic Institute and Advanced Treatment Center (NDI) is located on the Community Hospital East campus in Indianapolis, delivering advanced evaluations and treatments for patients with psychiatric illness. Together, the NDI and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) offer a modern, healing atmosphere for all Hoosiers

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $41,210.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

Treatment Planning & Assessment

• Participates in the development of individual patient and resident treatment plans to ensure appropriate care.

• Assesses individual patient/resident interests, needs, skills, and limitations to provide input into treatment plans and training programs.

Therapeutic Activity Facilitation

• Plans and directs various rehabilitative activities for individual and group participation in accordance with treatment plans.

• Stimulates patient interest in activities to encourage participation and progress.

• Advises and reinforces patients on acceptable social behavior to support rehabilitation goals.

Documentation & Evaluation

• Prepares and maintains monthly reports, progress reports, and daily documentation as necessary to track patient progress.

• Evaluates patient and resident progress as measured against treatment goals and objectives.

• Ensures workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) as an essential function of this position.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

Critical Thinking

• Advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of assessing therapeutic needs and providing rehabilitation services

• Specialized knowledge of symptoms and limitations of various mental and physical disabilities and ability to plan and execute effective rehabilitation methods

• Ability to formulate and implement individual treatment plans and rehabilitation programs and ensure effective execution

• Ability to appropriately change or amend treatment plans to meet patient needs

Driving for Results

• Specialized knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines for the care, treatment, and rights of the mentally challenged

• Working knowledge of the role of other treatment disciplines (psychology, social work, dietetics, nursing) and ability to integrate them into overall treatment plans

• Ability to effectively assess and document patient needs and progress

Teaching

• Ability to advise and reinforce patients on acceptable social behavior

• Effective communication skills to engage patients, residents, and interdisciplinary teams

Education and Experience

A degree is not required. However, at least 1 year of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:

• Must obtain CPR certification, demonstrate ability to perform techniques, and maintain certification throughout employment. 

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io.

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