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Recreation Therapist | Staff-Senior | Acute Care | Medical Center University

University of Iowa Health Care Health System
Iowa, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/12/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/11/2026

Senior Recreation Therapist | Inpatient Acute Care
The Department of Rehabilitation Therapies seeks a Senior Recreation Therapist to join our collaborative team at the Medical Center University Campus. In this role, you will lead care for patients with complex challenges, focusing on evidence-based recreational therapy interventions at the bedside and in group settings for behavioral health acute care patients ranging from pediatric to geriatric. We are seeking a motivated clinician who is passionate about leading patient outcomes and contributing to a collaborative, results-driven environment. Ready to elevate your career in a dynamic inpatient setting? Apply today and join the #1 hospital in Iowa. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients!

Recreation Therapist | Inpatient Acute Care
Join the Department of Rehabilitation Therapies as a Recreation Therapist at our Medical Center University Campus! In this role, you will deliver care for patients with complex challenges, focusing on evidence-based behavioral health recreational therapy interventions at the bedside for acute care patients ranging from pediatric to geriatric. Early career applicants are highly encouraged to apply, with excellent opportunities for mentorship. We are seeking a motivated clinician who is eager to continue their career by improving patient outcomes and thriving in a results-driven environment. Work with a supportive Inpatient team in an academic medical setting and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients – apply today!

About Iowa Health Care
University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical system. Each day more than 20,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. UI Health Care’s University Medical Center has evolved from a modest 20-bed clinic founded in 1873 into Iowa’s only tertiary-level medical center. Our academic roots run deep, having established the first university-based teaching hospital west of the Mississippi in 1898. Throughout the 20th century, our institution pioneered numerous breakthroughs in medicine while expanding into a regional referral hub. Today, UI Health Care’s University Medical Center continues this legacy by leading our mission: “Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®”

Qualifications | Senior Recreation Therapist | Inpatient Acute Care
Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to the practice of Recreational Therapy.
• Current certification with NCTRC as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist (CTRS) is required.
• 2 years of experience as a Recreation Therapist is necessary, with a high degree of understanding and skill in a behavioral health setting.
• Demonstrates skills in clinical education abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Current driver’s license required if transporting patients and driving record complies with the UI Risk Management policy.
Desirable Qualifications:
• 3 years of experience as a Recreation Therapist.
• 3 years of experience in one or more areas of assigned responsibility.
• Demonstrates leadership abilities.
• Demonstrates experience as part of a multidisciplinary medical team.
• Experience with basic counseling skills, behavioral management, grief & loss, actively dying, anxiety, depression, or pain.
Qualifications | Recreation Therapist | Inpatient Acute Care
Required Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to the practice of Recreational Therapy.
• Current certification with NCTRC as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist (CTRS) is required.
• Entry level experience in Recreation Therapy, with proven education and skill in a behavioral health setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Current driver’s license required if transporting patients and driving record complies with the UI Risk Management policy.
Desirable Qualifications:
• 1-3 Years of experience facilitating goal-oriented Recreation Therapy interventions.
• 1-3 Years of experience with Recreation Therapy evaluation, treatment planning, and documentation
• Demonstrated prioritization in patient care and effective time management.
• Ability to function as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience with basic counseling skills, behavioral management, grief & loss, actively dying, anxiety, depression, or pain.

Additional Details
Application Information:
To be considered for an interview, applicants must upload both of the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are applying for the Staff or Senior Position.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to five professional references will be requested at a later stage in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Matt Hackler, HR Generalist at mhackler@uiowa.edu. This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.
Classification Information:
• Classification Title: Activity Therapist | Senior Activity Therapist
• Appointment Type: SEIU
• Classification Time: This position is a 100% line at 40 hours per week.
• Schedule: Shift falls between 7:30am – 5:00pm.
• Location: On site, this position is performed fully on the campus of UI Health Care’s University Medical Center at 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242.
Compensation Information:
• Pay Level: 05 | 07.
• Pay Plan: SEIU Pay Plan | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa
Contact Information:
• Organization: Rehabilitation Therapies, Medical Center University Campus
• Contact Name: Matthew Hackler
• Contact Email: mhackler@uiowa.edu Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Senior Activity Therapist
  • Appointment Type: SEIU
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 07
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Matt Hackler, HR Generalist
  • Contact Email: mhackler@uiowa.edu

Salary.com Estimation for Recreation Therapist | Staff-Senior | Acute Care | Medical Center University in Iowa, IA
$51,420 to $64,343
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