RECREATION THERAPIST - Part Time Weekends

Job Title: Recreation Therapist -- Weekend
Department: Clinical Services
Reports To: Clinical Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Type: Part-Time
Location: Ascent Behavioral Hospital - Millcreek, UT

About Ascent Behavioral Hospital
At Ascent Behavioral Hospital, we provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and other psychiatric challenges. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to creating a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment that promotes healing, resilience, and long-term recovery. We uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect, collaboration, accountability, and patient safety.

Position Summary
The Recreation Therapist plays a critical role in the therapeutic milieu by designing and facilitating structured, goal-oriented recreational and experiential activities that support patients’ treatment goals. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Recreation Therapist uses evidence-based recreational therapy interventions to improve patients’ emotional regulation, social skills, coping strategies, self-esteem, and overall functioning.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and facilitate therapeutic recreational and experiential groups aligned with patients’ individualized treatment plans.

Utilize evidence-based recreational therapy interventions to support emotional regulation, socialization, coping skills, and stress management.

Collaborate with therapists, nursing staff, psychiatrists, and other treatment team members to ensure continuity of care.

Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging therapeutic environment during activities.

Adapt activities to meet the developmental, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of adolescent patients.

Document group participation, patient engagement, and progress in the electronic medical record in a timely and accurate manner.

Participate in treatment team meetings, providing input related to patient engagement, strengths, and progress.

Support hospital initiatives related to patient safety, trauma-informed care, and quality improvement.

Assist with special events, community-building activities, and therapeutic outings as clinically appropriate and approved.

Model appropriate boundaries, communication, and behavior consistent with hospital policies and therapeutic standards.

Essential Functions

Lead daily therapeutic recreation groups and structured activities as scheduled.

Assess patient participation and therapeutic response to recreational interventions.

Communicate observations and concerns to the treatment team in a timely and professional manner.

Maintain inventory, cleanliness, and safe use of recreational equipment and supplies.

Follow all hospital safety protocols, including supervision requirements and crisis response procedures.

Participate in de‑escalation, crisis intervention, and trauma‑informed care practices as trained.

Maintain compliance with state regulations, hospital policies, and Joint Commission standards.

Competencies

Patient Focus: Demonstrates empathy, builds rapport, and supports patient-centered care.

Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with patients, families, and team members.

Teamwork: Collaborates effectively within an interdisciplinary treatment team.

Adaptability: Adjusts activities and interventions based on patient needs and unit acuity.

Engagement: Creates motivating and meaningful therapeutic experiences.

Safety Awareness: Maintains constant awareness of patient safety and risk factors.

Professionalism: Demonstrates reliability, appropriate boundaries, and ethical behavior.

Qualifications
Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field

Ability to facilitate group activities with adolescents in a behavioral health setting

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to manage challenging behaviors with professionalism and calm demeanor

CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)

Must pass a federal background check

Preferred:

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

Previous experience in a psychiatric hospital, residential treatment center, or behavioral health setting

Experience working with adolescents

Training in trauma-informed care, CPI, or de‑escalation techniques

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, and engage in physical activity for extended periods

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs as needed

Work involves potential exposure to patients in emotional or behavioral crisis situations

Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities as required

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, and other insurance plans available after probationary period

Employer contributions to Health Savings Account (HSA)

Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Continued professional development and certification opportunities

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