Recreational Therapist, Behavioral Health Unit

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

Step into a role where compassion meets creativity and every day brings the chance to make a meaningful impact. As a Recreational Therapist in Behavioral Health , you’ll be part of a close-knit, mission-driven team dedicated to treating the whole person, not just a diagnosis.

Our unit cares for adult patients (18+) with a wide range of psychiatric needs, maintaining a supportive patient ratio of approximately 1:5–1:8 depending on census and acuity. In this dynamic role, your day will blend clinical insight with hands-on engagement: conducting initial assessments and 72-hour reassessments, leading therapeutic group activities such as art, recreation, and exercise, and helping coordinate enriching experiences like pet therapy and volunteer services.

What truly sets this team apart is its culture. This is a family-oriented environment where collaboration is essential, every voice matters, and all staff share responsibility for patient care. You’ll utilize skills like therapeutic communication, milieu management, and goal-setting to empower patients on their recovery journey while also being supported by colleagues who value teamwork, advocacy, and connection. Our unit continues to evolve, with recent accomplishments including initiatives that enhance patient comfort and consistently high satisfaction scores. As services expand, so do opportunities for professional growth and innovation within the department.

CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists) and those with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management (Therapeutic Recreation concentration) are encouraged to apply!

If you're looking for a role where you can build meaningful relationships, lead impactful programming, and be part of a team that truly supports one another, this is the place for you.

Located in Arlington, Virginia, VHC Health is a 548-bed, independent, not-for-profit health system and nationally recognized teaching hospital. We have proudly served the Washington, DC metropolitan community for more than 75 years. Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in Virginia and the region, VHC Health has earned recognition as a 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Employer and a 2025 Newsweek World’s Best Hospital . We also hold the prestigious Magnet® designation for nursing excellence. As a Level II Trauma Center, we are committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care when it matters most.

Responsibilities

Pay & Benefits: Commensurate with experience. Team members are eligible to receive benefits on the first day of the month following the date of hire, with 30 days to apply for benefits of choice.

• Employee-Led Engagement and Wellness Committee dedicated to make work a fun and healthy place to work
• Annual Employee Survey – Your Voice is Heard at VHC!
• Paid Major Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off / Vacation / Sick Time
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment
• Career Counseling, Leadership Development and Training
• Clinical and Research Pathways Eligible
• Annual Merit Review and Merit Increases
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Health Fitness & Education Class Discounts
• Employee Wellness Benefits
• Hospital Discount for Employees and Family
• VHC Health Outpatient Pharmacy
• VHC Retirement Program
• Workforce Enhancement Program
• Work/Life Discounts Program
• Free onsite parking
• Commuter Benefits
• Family Leave
• 401(k) + Match
• and much more!

Qualifications

Purpose & Scope:  

The Recreational Therapist provides therapeutic leisure activity in accordance with standards of practice for Recreational Therapy for patients with disabilities.

Education:  

Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, or an approved related field is required.

Experience:  

One year experience in acute inpatient rehabilitation is preferred.

Certification/Licensure:  

BLS certification is required

Food Manager certification is preferred