Recreational Therapist

Title: Recreational Therapist

State Role Title: 49231

Hiring Range: $54,555.00 - $75,287.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277-bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of Summer 2027.

CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person's individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

Step into a role where your creativity, compassion, and clinical expertise make a real impact every day! As a Recreational Therapist on our dynamic inpatient behavioral health team, you will design and deliver evidence-based therapeutic recreation experiences that help adults build skills, rediscover strengths, and move confidently toward recovery and community reintegration. You'll lead engaging therapeutic groups, provide individualized interventions, and collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team of dedicated professionals-all while shaping a treatment environment rooted in dignity, hope, and trauma-informed care. From planning hospital-wide events to crafting meaningful treatment plans, documenting progress, conducting assessments, and supporting patients through every step of their journey, this role offers both challenge and reward for a motivated Recreational Therapist ready to inspire change. If you're passionate about empowering others and want to bring energy, innovation, and heart to your practice, we want to meet you!

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
• Knowledge of recreational therapy principles, psychiatric rehabilitation, and behavioral health treatment best practices.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed models of care.
• Knowledge of group dynamics, therapeutic recreation interventions, and effective patient engagement strategies.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and develop individualized, evidence-based treatment interventions.
• Ability to facilitate meaningful therapeutic groups and individual sessions with diverse patient populations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and collaboratively with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, and community partners.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to behavioral changes and crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation within an electronic health record system.
• Ability to organize workload, prioritize tasks, and excel in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Skill in therapeutic communication, conflict resolution, and verbal de-escalation techniques.

This position is primarily scheduled Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering a consistent weekday routine while still requiring flexibility to support patient care needs-including occasional evening, weekend, and holiday coverage. Although the role is currently assigned to the Maximum-Security Unit, assignments may shift as operational priorities evolve, giving you the opportunity to contribute your expertise across a variety of treatment settings.

Why Work at Central State Hospital?

At Central State Hospital, you can build a rewarding public-service career while contributing to the care and recovery of individuals with complex behavioral health needs. Employees benefit from a collaborative team environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the stability of employment with the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Eligible salaried employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
• Health insurance plan options
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer-paid group life insurance
• Virginia Retirement System retirement benefits
• Voluntary deferred compensation savings
• Fourteen+ Paid holidays
• Annual leave
• Sick leave and family and personal leave
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Employee Assistance Program services
• Employee wellness programs
• Employee discount programs
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, based on individual circumstances. For additional information, visit the DHRM State Employee Resources webpage.

Benefits and eligibility vary based on employment status and are subject to applicable Commonwealth policies and plan requirements.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Bring your skills, experience, and commitment to service to Central State Hospital. Apply today and become part of a team dedicated to supporting recovery, promoting hope, and improving lives.

Minimum Qualifications
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's or master's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a closely related field that meets the academic and internship requirements for national certification.
• Eligibility to obtain certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) at the time of hire. Incumbents must obtain CTRS certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain certification as a condition of continued employment.
• Valid Virginia driver's license

Additional Considerations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
• Experience providing recreational therapy services in an inpatient behavioral health, psychiatric, or forensic setting.
• Understanding of CMS documentation requirements.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Requirements: Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.
You will receive a confirmation of receipt once your application and/or résumé has been successfully submitted. To check the status of your application, refer to "Your Application" in your account.


Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.


Background Investigation: All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.


Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.


Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).


Equal Opportunity: The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.


Veteran Preference: DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.


Benefits: DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!


SOEI: Per the Code of Virginia §2.2-3114, persons occupying positions of trust within state government or non-salaried citizens of policy and supervisory boards file a disclosure statement with the Commonwealth's Ethics Advisory Council, as a condition to assuming office or employment, and thereafter shall file such a statement annually on or before February 1. Additionally, per Executive order, positions of trust include senior-level positions with responsibility affecting legislative policies and rule-making authority or substantive authorization and decision-making regarding policy, contracts and procurement, audits, licensure, inspections and investigations, and investments or other financial matters. Sections 2.2-3128 through 2.2-3131 of the Code of Virginia require that each employee within a position of trust complete COIA training within two months of their hire date and at least once every two years after the initial training. This position is identified as a position of trust within the agency.


Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer