Recreation Therapist

Overview

We are seeking a passionate and energetic Recreation Therapist to join our dynamic healthcare team. In this vital role, you will design and implement engaging therapeutic recreation programs that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being for diverse populations, including seniors, individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and those receiving hospice or autism care. Your expertise will help enhance quality of life through creative activities such as music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, yoga, swimming, equine-assisted activities, and more. This paid position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in clients’ lives while working in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Duties

• Develop and execute individualized and group recreational therapy programs tailored to clients’ needs, interests, and medical conditions.
• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments to determine appropriate therapeutic activities and track progress over time.
• Facilitate therapeutic activities including music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, yoga, and other modalities that promote mental health and physical rehabilitation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including nursing staff, social workers, psychologists, and case managers—to coordinate care plans and ensure holistic treatment approaches.
• Maintain accurate medical documentation, medical records, and data collection related to client progress in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques and crisis management skills to support clients with behavioral health challenges or psychiatric conditions.
• Participate in intake evaluations and diagnostic assessments for new clients to establish appropriate therapeutic goals.
• Engage families and caregivers through client communication to foster supportive environments for ongoing therapy.
• Contribute to program development initiatives focused on behavioral health hospital settings, elder care facilities, assisted living communities, or pediatric units.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed during all recreational activities while promoting an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities or special needs.

Skills

• Extensive experience in recreation therapy modalities such as music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, yoga, swimming, equine experience, and hospice care.
• Strong background working with individuals with developmental disabilities—including autism spectrum disorder—and mental health conditions like PTSD or dementia.
• Proven ability to develop innovative therapeutic recreation programs tailored to diverse populations including geriatrics and pediatrics.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, medical documentation standards (including HIPAA compliance), and patient assessment techniques.
• Skilled in behavioral management strategies including de-escalation techniques and crisis management to support behavioral health patients effectively.
• Experience working within healthcare settings such as psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or community care environments.
• Ability to conduct diagnostic evaluations and case management for clients with complex needs; experience in group therapy is highly valued.
• Excellent client communication skills to foster trust and engagement across age groups—from children to elderly clients—while promoting mental health counseling and recovery goals.
• Familiarity with special education practices and working with individuals with autism or other disabilities enhances program effectiveness.
• Capable of utilizing recreational therapy tools such as arts & crafts supplies or therapeutic movement techniques to maximize client participation.

Join us in creating enriching experiences that empower individuals on their journey toward improved well-being!

Pay: Up to $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20