Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - PRN

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

MU Health Care is looking for a compassionate, creative, and driven Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who is passionate about helping patients rediscover joy, purpose, and connection through meaningful activities. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder who thrives in a collaborative care environment and is energized by making a direct impact on patients' emotional, social, and physical well-being. This individual brings strong observational skills, adaptability, and a talent for inspiring engagement across diverse patient populations. We value professionals who are innovative, proactive, and committed to tailoring experiences that support each patient's unique journey toward recovery and reintegration. The right candidate will be an organized and enthusiastic communicator who excels at working alongside interdisciplinary teams to create holistic, patient-centered care plans. If you are motivated by purpose and driven to elevate the patient experience through creativity and compassion, MU Health Care invites you to bring your talents to our team.

MU Health Care is proud to be named one of Forbes' Best-in-State Employers seven years in a row, and that's largely a result of the incredible culture and team we've built. At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. Here, we believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.

Our academic health system the only in mid-Missouri is home to seven hospitals, including the region's only Level 1 Trauma Center and region's only Children's Hospital, as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Evaluate patient therapeutic recreational needs, develop individual goals and objectives, and follow up on patient progress. Assess through observation patient group and social skills, use of communication, and problems, which would hinder re-integration.

Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team (such as physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers) to develop and implement patient treatment plans. Work with other departments to coordinate services.

Document patient progress towards goals and objectives and report progress in team rounds and conferences.

Plan, conduct, coordinate, and supervise a variety of therapeutic recreation programs, including programming in leisure skills, social skills, diversional activities, and fitness.

Provide educational and/or in-service training/programs as necessary to staff, volunteers, allied health professionals, community and patient families.

May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities can be acquired.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification, or certification eligible, by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and may require ambulating, remaining in a stationary position and positioning self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 lbs and occasionally move objects up to 25 lbs.

This role may also routinely come into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.