Therapeutic Recreation Intern

Therapeutic Recreation Intern

Location: Westminster-Canterbury; 3100 Shore Dr. Virginia Beach, VA Reports to: TR Specialist(s) Schedule: Weekdays; occasional weekends

About Us Founded in 1982, Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is a not-for-profit, faith-based Life Plan Community. Located along the southern shore of Chesapeake Bay, our scenic, resort-style campus is home to a vibrant community of residents and staff who share a passion for service, joy, and well-being.

Our mission? Enriching lives through the power of purpose, belonging, and wellness.

We live our values every day:

• Respect for every person
• Passion for what we do
• Professionalism in all we do

Apply today and help us bring wellness, joy, and energy to the heart of our community!

The Resident Services Team at WCBay fosters meaningful relationships with our residents through supporting them with solving problems, accessing services, staying informed, and enjoying community life. No matter the task-at-hand, every action the Resident Services team takes, puts resident satisfaction & well-being at the forefront of it all.

Under the direct supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), the Therapeutic Recreation Intern will gain hands-on experience planning, implementing, documenting, and evaluating therapeutic recreation services for older adults in health care, assisted living, and memory support settings.

This is an unpaid student internship. Responsibilities will increase based on the intern's skills, university requirements, and readiness. Each student will progress at their own pace, with timelines adjusted by the CTRS supervisor in collaboration with the intern.

What You'll Do In This Role

• Observe and participate in group programs and one-to-one interventions.
• Build rapport with residents and maintain an assigned long-term care caseload.
• Assist with planning and leading recreational programs and activities.
• Progressively assume responsibility for planning and leading programs with CTRS supervision.
• Participate in resident assessments and documentation, including MDS, UAI, and care plans.
• Attend care plan and interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings.
• Assist with monthly recreation calendars and program planning using the APIED process.
• Complete assigned short-term and long-term projects, special events, and case studies as required.
• Participate in weekly supervision and post-program evaluation sessions with the CTRS.
• Attend and participate in Therapeutic Recreation team meetings.
• Perform all other duties related to the internship as assigned by the CTRS supervisor.

Core Competencies

• Communicates clearly and respectfully with residents, families, and team members.
• Builds positive relationships and demonstrates patience, understanding, and sensitivity.
• Demonstrates creativity and enthusiasm when developing programs.
• Maintains reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
• Demonstrates initiative while working under the direction of the CTRS.
• Respects resident rights, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility required to climb or descend flights of stairs
• Demonstrates the ability to arrange and move furniture for various activities.
• Must be physically able to assist residents in wheelchairs or walkers.
• Must be able to assist residents getting on and off the bus.

The Experience You'll Bring Required

• Currently pursuing a degree in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy or Activities Professional.
• Must meet the internship requirements of the student's educational institution.
• Flu-Vaccinated

Preferred

• Willingness to grow professionally through education and hands-on training.

Equal Opportunity Statement We are an equal opportunity organization and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.