Receration Therapist

Recreation Therapist

Department: Therapeutic Recreation
Reports To: Director of Therapeutic Recreation
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Recreation Therapist is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and psychosocial well-being of residents in a long-term care facility. This position develops individualized and group interventions designed to enhance quality of life, maintain functional abilities, foster independence, and support resident-centered care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Assessment & Care Planning
• Conduct comprehensive therapeutic recreation assessments upon admission and as required by facility policy.
• Identify residents' interests, strengths, abilities, limitations, and psychosocial needs.
• Develop individualized therapeutic recreation goals and interventions as part of the interdisciplinary care plan.
• Participate in resident care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Update assessments and care plans based on resident progress, changes in condition, or regulatory requirements.

Program Development & Implementation
• Design and facilitate therapeutic recreation programs that support residents' physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being.
• Provide individual and group interventions tailored to resident needs and abilities.
• Implement specialized programming for residents with dementia, behavioral health diagnoses, and rehabilitation goals.
• Coordinate leisure education, adaptive recreation, sensory stimulation, and wellness activities.
• Encourage resident participation and engagement while respecting individual preferences and choices.

Resident Engagement & Quality of Life
• Promote meaningful opportunities for socialization, self-expression, community involvement, and personal fulfillment.
• Assist residents in maintaining independence and maximizing functional abilities through therapeutic recreation interventions.
• Advocate for resident rights, dignity, and individualized choices in programming.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and resident-centered environment.

Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of assessments, care plans, participation records, progress notes, and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and facility regulations related to therapeutic recreation services.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
• Assist with survey preparation and regulatory inspections.

Collaboration & Leadership
• Collaborate with nursing, rehabilitation, social services, dietary, and other departments to support holistic resident care.
• Provide education and support to staff regarding therapeutic recreation interventions and resident engagement strategies.
• Assist in training activity staff, volunteers, and interns as appropriate.
• Support special events, family programs, community partnerships, and facility-wide initiatives.

Qualifications

Education
• Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Recreational Therapy, or a related field required.
• Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred.

Experience
• Minimum of one year of experience in therapeutic recreation, healthcare, rehabilitation, senior living, or long-term care preferred.
• Experience working with geriatric populations, dementia care, and skilled nursing residents preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies.
• Understanding of aging, dementia, behavioral health, and rehabilitation services.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and motivational skills.
• Ability to adapt programs to varying physical and cognitive abilities.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility.
• Ability to assist with activity setup and transportation of supplies and equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to participate actively in recreation and therapeutic programming.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Resident participation and engagement rates.
• Resident satisfaction and quality-of-life outcomes.
• Completion and accuracy of assessments and care plans.
• Compliance with regulatory standards.
• Successful implementation of individualized therapeutic interventions.
• Positive survey and quality assurance outcomes.

Core Competencies
• Resident-Centered Care
• Therapeutic Recreation Planning
• Assessment & Documentation
• Dementia Care Programming
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Creativity & Program Development
• Quality Improvement
• Regulatory Compliance

Working Conditions
• Work is performed in resident care areas, activity spaces, outdoor environments, and community settings.
• May require occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays to support resident programming and special events.

Mission: To enhance each resident's quality of life by providing meaningful therapeutic recreation opportunities that promote wellness, independence, dignity, engagement, and overall well-being within a compassionate long-term care environment.

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