Recreation Therapist

Since our opening in 1987, New Hope Treatment Centers has been a welcoming place for young people in moments of crisis. Our programs have played a role in countless success stories, thanks to our relational approach to behavioral healthcare. The Recreation Therapist assists with all aspects of Recreation Therapy, a service designed to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning, to facilitate full participation in life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Organizes, implements, and oversees Recreational Therapy activities in alignment with individualized treatment plans.
• Ensures accurate and timely communication of resident progress to all appropriate members of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Maintains responsibility for resident safety and supervision during all recreational and therapeutic activities.
• Attends Treatment Team meetings, planning sessions, and critical reviews as assigned to support effective communication among residential, clinical, and administrative staff regarding recreation services.
• Plans, coordinates, and facilitates special events and therapeutic programming.
• Develops and posts a monthly calendar outlining scheduled recreational activities and programming.
• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans, including measurable goals and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Completes timely and accurate clinical documentation of resident behavior, interventions provided, and treatment effectiveness in accordance with organizational standards and required timeframes.
• Maintains professional boundaries and adheres to all confidentiality requirements, including compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Participating in Treatment Team functions as an active interdisciplinary team member.
• Maintains flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the nature and scope of the position.

Competencies

The Recreation Therapist must demonstrate competence in the following areas:

• Therapeutic Programming: Ability to develop and facilitate structured recreational activities that support emotional, behavioral, and social development.
• Behavior Management: Knowledge of behavior management techniques and ability to support youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Applies trauma-informed approaches when engaging youth in therapeutic recreation activities.
• Group Facilitation: Skilled in leading therapeutic groups that promote teamwork, coping skills, and positive peer interaction.
• Crisis Intervention: Ability to safely respond to behavioral crises using de-escalation techniques and approved intervention methods.
• Communication & Collaboration: Works effectively with clinicians, residential staff, and leadership as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintains accurate activity notes and documentation in accordance with program policies and regulatory standards.
• Safety Awareness: Ensures a safe environment during recreational activities and follows all safety protocols.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (ideally in Recreation) with CTRS Certification and a minimum of one year experience in Rec Therapy
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record, if transportation or community coordination is required.
• Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and any state-mandated employment clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children, adolescents, or individuals in behavioral health, residential treatment, or human services settings.
• Familiarity with North Carolina behavioral health regulations and service systems.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain organized records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Professional judgment, discretion, and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and standard office technology.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Work is performed in an environment that may involve exposure to emotionally distressed individuals.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use standard office equipment.
• Ability to respond to crisis situations, which may require quick movement.