Recreation Therapist
$72,800–$72,800 year
On-siteDix Hills, New York, United States
Job Summary
Assess patients' recreational interests, functional abilities, limitations, behaviors, and therapeutic needs. Develop individualized and group therapeutic recreation activities consistent with treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social interaction, and coping skills. Conduct structured indoor and outdoor programs for children and adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric setting, adapting activities for developmental levels and safety needs. Document assessments, interventions, progress, and outcomes while participating in interdisciplinary treatment planning. Monitor equipment, inspect activity areas for hazards, and apply behavioral-support and de-escalation procedures. Maintain professional boundaries and ensure compliance with facility policies and infection-control standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation, recreation therapy, recreation, physical education, adaptive physical education, or a closely related field
- Education must include coursework in therapeutic recreation or recreation therapy
- Experience in recreation therapy or structured therapeutic activities in a behavioral health, psychiatric, pediatric, developmental disability, rehabilitation, residential treatment, or comparable clinical setting
- Experience working with children or adolescents with behavioral or psychiatric needs
- Current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential preferred
- Current Basic Life Support or CPR certification
- Current First Aid certification
- Ability to satisfy required background checks, health screenings, immunization requirements, and facility clearance standards
- Ability to complete mandatory facility orientation and training
- Ability to perform the physical duties associated with supervising and conducting recreation activities
- Therapeutic recreation assessment and treatment planning
- Individual and group activity facilitation
- Pediatric and adolescent behavioral health
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation
- Behavioral observation and intervention
- Trauma-informed care
- Patient safety and risk awareness
- Activity adaptation
- Verbal and written communication
- Organization and time management
- Professional judgment and boundaries
- Confidentiality and regulatory compliance
- Ability to work effectively in a secure inpatient psychiatric environment
Desired Qualifications
- Current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential preferred
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