Recreational Therapist - Young Adult Programming

Recreational Therapist

We're seeking a creative and compassionate Recreational Therapist to lead therapeutic and enrichment programming for medically complex young adults at our Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center.

This role is ideal for a Recreational Therapist or experienced therapeutic programming professional who wants to make a meaningful impact each day.

Day in the Life

See yourself making a difference each day — Watch a Day in the Life of a Resident and experience the impact of your care in action.

How This Position Contributes to Our Mission

• Design and deliver person-centered therapeutic and enrichment programming for young adults with complex medical and developmental needs
• Lead group and individualized activities that promote independence, engagement, and social connection
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including therapy, nursing, caregivers, and families
• Support behavioral and emotional needs using trauma-informed and de-escalation techniques
• Oversee and mentor Resident Enrichment Specialists to ensure consistent, high-quality programming
• Ensure programming meets regulatory and safety standards

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Flex schedule includes occasional nights, weekends, and holidays for resident outings and events.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in healthcare, human services, recreation, special education, or related field
• Applicable certification in field of study, if required
• Minimum one (1) year of related professional experience
• Current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare providers, will be provided

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare, human services, recreation, or related field
• Minimum one (1) year experience providing enrichment or therapeutic programming for individuals with developmental, intellectual, and/or medical complexities
• Ability to adapt enrichment experiences to diverse functional, behavioral, and communication needs
• Experience with assistive technology and augmentative/alternative communication
• Experience driving large vehicles
• Experience working in long-term care or complex care settings

What We Offer

• Trauma-informed, mission-driven work environment
• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life)
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Ongoing training and professional development

Who We Are Home of the Innocents is one of Louisville's longest-serving non-profit organizations, approaching 150 years of service to children and families. Our mission is simple and clear: to enrich lives with hope, health, and happiness.

We are a trauma-informed organization, prioritizing safety, recovery, and strong relationships in everything we do. Our leadership is committed to building a workforce grounded in compassion, excellence, empowerment, and wellness.

We are an organization growing to meet the needs of children and young adults in our community—expanding our programs and investing in our campus, including the addition of a new wing at the Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center that will double our capacity to serve medically complex individuals.

Our Impact

• 3,976 children and families served in 2025
• 22-acre campus located near downtown Louisville
• Second largest Residential Treatment Program in Kentucky
• Only dedicated emergency shelter for children in the city
• 10 programs supporting children and families across a range of needs, including:
• Therapeutic and residential treatment for youth with complex behavioral and emotional needs
• Emergency shelter for children in crisis
• Foster care and adoption support
• Community-based behavioral health services
• Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center (KCC): Kentucky's only pediatric skilled nursing facility providing residential and respite care for children and young adults with complex medical needs.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help children thrive at Home of the Innocents!