Recreational Therapist

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.

Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As a Recreational Therapist, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Participate in the creation of a recreational therapy treatment plan that builds on the resident’s strengths and addresses the resident’s therapeutic needs utilizing the APIED (Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, Documentation) process;
• Incorporate recreational therapy interventions in accordance with currently accepted standards of practice;
• Coordinate a comprehensive, person-centered strengths and needs assessment for each resident;
• Make recommendations regarding treatment approaches and interventions;
• Participate in staff meetings and conferences and present clinical impressions, formulations and behavioral observations regarding each resident’s treatment;
• Promote and establish therapeutic relationships and effectively utilize leadership, teaching, and counseling techniques to gain cooperation from and motivate residents and resident groups;
• Provide proper communication, collaboration and execution of recreational therapy treatment plans for residents in partnership with program staff;
• Maintain familiarity with resident’s history, current level, and specific precautions indicated on treatment plan;
• Represent recreational therapy on assigned committees;
• Plan, organize, and promote group activities, outings, special events and other internal incentives;
• Coordinate with program staff and Youth Specialists responsible for assisting with recreational therapy groups;
• Actively support the implementation and enhancement of the use of the trauma responsive Sanctuary model of care;
• Maintain an inventory of recreational therapy supplies;
• Monitor expenses to ensure adherence to the program budget;
• Keep a record of supplies and expenses incurred in providing group and 1:1 sessions;
• Complete allocation of receipts from recreational therapy group and 1:1 sessions;
• Keep abreast of and solicit community resources when appropriate;
• Meet regularly with supervisor for guidance and consultation;
• Complete training requirements in accordance with program, state and organizational requirements;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What Will Make You Successful

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Recreational Therapy or related field with certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS);
• One (1) year of experience working with youth in a professional context;
• Bilingual - English/Spanish, preferred;
• Ability to pass required medical examinations and to have physical ability to fulfill essential functions, including restraint of a resident;
• Pass a TB test annually and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;
• Possess the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team;
• Knowledge of current recreational therapy principles, therapeutic interventions and group counseling techniques;
• Ability to become trained in and execute proper restraint techniques as needed with residents;
• Possess excellent clinical, therapeutic, and assessment skills;
• Possess ability to work with culturally diverse population groups;
• Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills;
• Knowledge of state, community and agency resources;
• Must be able to pass required medical examinations and have the physical ability to fulfill the essential job functions, including physical restraints of a resident;
• Successfully pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;
• Must be able to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route:
• Varicella: two doses of varicella vaccine (at least four weeks apart) OR born in the United States before 1980 with a reported history of chickenpox (verified by an adult present at the time of illness) OR titers indicating varicella immunity OR documentation from a healthcare provider verifying previous infection;
• MMR: two doses of MMR vaccine (at least four weeks apart) OR titers indicating immunity to all three diseases;
• TDap or Tdap: Complete primary vaccination series. If primary vaccination series completed in childhood, one Tdap dose in adulthood;
• Influenza: one dose annually during flu season;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years of driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

We Invest in You

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employer paid long-term disability and group term life insurance

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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.