Recreational Therapist, Behavioral Health Unit

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

Step into a role where compassion meets creativity and every day brings the chance to make a meaningful impact. As a  Recreational Therapist in Behavioral Health , you’ll be part of a close-knit, mission-driven team dedicated to treating the whole person, not just a diagnosis.

 

Our unit cares for adult patients (18+) with a wide range of psychiatric needs, maintaining a supportive patient ratio of approximately 1:5–1:8 depending on census and acuity. In this dynamic role, your day will blend clinical insight with hands-on engagement: conducting initial assessments and 72-hour reassessments, leading therapeutic group activities such as art, recreation, and exercise, and helping coordinate enriching experiences like pet therapy and volunteer services.

 

What truly sets this team apart is its culture. This is a family-oriented environment where collaboration is essential, every voice matters, and all staff share responsibility for patient care. You’ll utilize skills like therapeutic communication, milieu management, and goal-setting to empower patients on their recovery journey while also being supported by colleagues who value teamwork, advocacy, and connection. Our unit continues to evolve, with recent accomplishments including initiatives that enhance patient comfort and consistently high satisfaction scores. As services expand, so do opportunities for professional growth and innovation within the department.

 

CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists) and those with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management (Therapeutic Recreation concentration) are encouraged to apply!

 

If you're looking for a role where you can build meaningful relationships, lead impactful programming, and be part of a team that truly supports one another, this is the place for you.

 

Located in Arlington, Virginia, VHC Health is a 548-bed, independent, not-for-profit health system and nationally recognized teaching hospital. We have proudly served the Washington, DC metropolitan community for more than 75 years. Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in Virginia and the region, VHC Health has earned recognition as a 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Employer and a 2025 Newsweek World’s Best Hospital . We also hold the prestigious Magnet® designation for nursing excellence. As a Level II Trauma Center, we are committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care when it matters most.

Responsibilities

At VHC Health, every role contributes to exceptional care, better outcomes, and stronger communities.
In addition to your base compensation, VHC Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage (subject to eligibility requirements), as well as additional wellness and retirement benefits designed to support our employees and their families.
VHC Health is committed to wage transparency and equitable pay practices. The compensation offered for this position—whether expressed as an annual salary or hourly rate—is determined based on a variety of legitimate, non-discriminatory factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, relevant training and experience, skill level, shift differentials (where applicable), internal equity, and current market conditions.
The posted hiring range reflects the range VHC Health, in good faith, believes is appropriate for this role at the time of posting. This range may be adjusted in the future based on business needs or market changes. No portion of compensation is considered earned until it is vested and determined in accordance with the terms of applicable policies and benefit plans. The availability and amount of any bonuses, incentives, or other benefits are subject to the terms of those plans and may be modified at the sole discretion of VHC Health, in accordance with applicable law.
VHC Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.
VHC Health maintains a drug-free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at all VHC Health locations.

Qualifications

Purpose & Scope:  

The Recreational Therapist provides therapeutic leisure activity in accordance with standards of practice for Recreational Therapy for patients with disabilities.

 

Education:  

Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, or an approved related field is required.

 

Experience:  

One year experience in acute inpatient rehabilitation is preferred.

 

Certification/Licensure:  

BLS certification is required

Food Manager certification is preferred