Recreational Therapist / CTRS

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

This non-exempt position reports to the Director of Clinical Social Services and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing medically approved therapeutic activities for patients within the facility. Activities may include leisure skill development, social engagement, physical exercise, cognitive challenges, arts and crafts, and other therapeutic interventions.

The Recreational Therapist supports the clinical department through teamwork, patient engagement, documentation, and meaningful input into each patient’s psychosocial treatment plan.

• Provide a full range of recreation therapy services, including assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions, in alignment with professional standards and ethical practices.

• Deliver recreation therapy services both independently and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team.

• Assist in organizing, planning, and scheduling patient activities.

• Facilitate and supervise group and individual therapeutic activities.

• Observe patients during programming and document participation, progress, and behavioral responses.

• Track progress toward therapeutic goals and update treatment plans accordingly.

• Provide consultation and therapeutic support to patients as needed.

• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation for all individual and group sessions.

• Ensure documentation meets regulatory, facility, and department standards.

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy

• Bachelor’s degree with CTRS certification

• Bachelor’s degree in arts, music, or related therapeutic discipline

• CTRS certification through an approved certification program recognized for training in Activity Therapy, as required by State licensing standards.

• Basic understanding of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria

• Foundational knowledge of medical and psychiatric diagnoses and conditions

• Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to motivate and engage patients

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team