Therapist I - Rec Therapist

Title: Therapist I - Rec Therapist

State Role Title: Therapy Assistant/Therapist I

Hiring Range: $67,680

Pay Band: NV 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Northern VA Mental Health Inst

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute is seeking someone to provide recreation therapy and psychosocial education rehab interventions that are responsive to the social, physical, emotional & cognitive recreational needs of our population. Responsibilities include providing well-coordinated and diverse recreational therapy programs which will enable the individuals we serve to function independently in the community. The successful candidate will have knowledge of the principles, techniques and methods of recreation therapy and of basic statistics and the different kinds of usage of recreation therapy materials and equipment. Have the ability to stimulate and sustain the individual's recreation therapy interest as well as the ability to evaluate and report their progress. Ability to safely operate a state owned motor vehicle to transport individuals for community reintegration outings.
Interview process to include implementation of intervention by a mock group facilitation, demonstration of group development by creating a protocol

The work hours are 8:00am to 4:45pm with some rotating evenings, and holidays required

Minimum Qualifications

Valid driver's license required.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major studies in Recreation Therapy, Recreational Management, or related field or equivalent work experience.

Additional Considerations

Experience in a psychiatric hospital as a paid Recreation Therapist or an internship placement is strongly preferred.

Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Northern Virginia Mental Health Instituteonly accepts online applications via PAGEUP. Resumes and other documents may accompany the application but will not serve as a substitute for an application. Faxed, e-mailed or mailed applications will not be accepted. Please refer to your PAGEUP account for the status of your application and this position. This posting will remain open for a minimum of five (5) business days.


Commonwealth's Alternate Hiring Process:In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link:


Contact Pathways


Led by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services and the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, the Career Pathways grant will help nearly 500 Virginians with disabilities, including young adults and veterans, gain new skills and credentials through Career Pathways to seek employment in competitive, high-demand, high-quality occupations.






or call DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.


Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (HR Rep phone #)for assistance. Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.


Northern Virginia Mental Health Instituteis an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics or disability.


DBHDS is a healthcare organization and must comply with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (federal CMS) guidance on Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care staff Vaccination Regulation which requires vaccination of all employees or an exemption.A job offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate meeting these guidelines as a condition of employment.


Agency website


Contact Information

Name: Sue Upadhyay

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer