Recreational Therapist - Behavioral Health

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Recreational Therapist is under the guidance of the Nurse Manager, and is responsible for managing, developing and implementing a variety of therapeutic and diversional activities designed to achieve specific patient/department goals. The Behavioral Health Recreational Therapist will perform all duties required or assigned by the Nurse Manager to assess patients and collaborate with other team members in providing effective patient care and other duties as assigned. The Behavioral Health Recreational Therapist plans, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation programs for patients with mental health, substance use, and/or behavioral disorders. This role supports patients in improving emotional, cognitive, physical, and social functioning through structured leisure activities and therapeutic interventions in both group and individual settings.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Associates degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field required.

Experience

• 1- year experience as a Recreation Therapist

License/Registration/Certifications

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Certification

Preferred Requirements

Preferred Education

• Bachelors degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field required.

Preferred Experience

• 3-5 year(s) as a recreation Therapist, Experience in behavioral health, psychiatric, or substance use settings preferred.
• Experience with adolescent population

Preferred License/Registration/Certifications

• N/A

Core Job Responsibilities

• Conducts comprehensive recreational therapy assessments upon admission.
• Develops individualized treatment goals aligned with the interdisciplinary care plan.
• Facilitates therapeutic groups (e.g., coping skills, stress management, leisure education, social skills, expressive therapies).
• Provides one-on-one interventions as clinically indicated.
• Modifies activities based on patient acuity, diagnosis, and functional level.
• Promotes patient engagement, motivation, and participation in treatment.
• Manages Recreational Therapy products, supplies and equipment in a cost-effective manner.
• Leads the Recreational Therapy program, providing therapeutic recreation to patients with nurses or doctors order.
• Oversee visitation and use of dayroom, quiet room, outside activity, education session(s).
• Assures that Adolescent Behavioral Health is represented at various community functions when appropriate.
• Supervises volunteers and visitors of school districts and ensures events are properly staffed.
• Leads educational offerings on Behavioral Health Adolescent unit.
• Plan and schedule regular meetings with Behavioral Health Social Work group for efficient group therapy offerings.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and contribute to care planning.
• Communicate patient progress, barriers, and behavioral observations to the team.
• Collaborate with nursing, social work, psychiatry, and other disciplines.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Document assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., The Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for patients and staff.
• Monitor patient behavior and intervene appropriately during group activities.
• Conduct safety checks of recreational equipment and spaces.
• Follow all facility policies regarding crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Assist in developing and enhancing therapeutic recreation programming.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and patient outcomes.
• Incorporate evidence-based practices into interventions
• Support special events, community reintegration activities, and discharge planning.
• Performs other duties as assigned by leadership to support patient care and program needs.