Certified Recreational Therapist

The Certified Recreational Therapist develops and facilitates structured recreational and therapeutic activities for residents admitted to NPCRS’ MHRC. Working with a multidisciplinary team, the therapist tailors’ programs to meet the individualized needs of each resident. The Recreational Therapist’s goal is to promote physical, social, and emotional well-being through therapeutic recreation, helping residents achieve personal growth and recovery. Reports to the Program Director/Administrator.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement therapeutic recreational activities (e.g., group exercises, arts and crafts, games, outdoor activities) tailored to the needs of residents.


• Collaborate with clinical staff to integrate recreational therapy into each resident’s individualized treatment plan.


• Evaluate resident participation and progress, adjusting therapeutic approaches as needed to ensure goals are met.


• Maintain accurate documentation of resident assessments, progress notes, and treatment updates within the company’s Electronic Health Record system (PointClick Care).


• Ensure activities promote wellness, encourage social interaction, and foster a positive therapeutic environment.


• Serve as an advocate for recreational therapy within the treatment team, offering insights on how recreational activities can enhance therapeutic outcomes.


• Adhere to NPCRS policies and procedures, ensuring all health, safety, and confidentiality standards are maintained.


• Participate in resident treatment team meetings to provide feedback on client progress and make recommendations for ongoing care.


• Collaborate with outside resources and community programs to provide residents with appropriate post-discharge recreational opportunities and referrals.


• Participates as a team member in all program activities, reports observations, documents observations, and asks appropriate questions when clarification is necessary.


• Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with all patients.


• Facilitates communication between patient and provider via phone, secure message, video, letter, and document appropriately.


• Support in relevant health and psychiatric teaching for patients and family. Serves as a role model for residents and peers.


• Effectively communicates with the team, participates in team meetings and shift exchange sharing knowledge, information, and problem-solving ideas.


• Upholds cleanliness of the facility equipment and supplies.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Licenses and Certifications - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or equivalent certification.


• Minimum Education - Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field.


• Minimum Experience - At least one (1) year of experience working with adults in a mental health or rehabilitation setting, providing structured recreational therapy.


• Knowledge of recreational therapy techniques and experience in working with individuals with severe mental health issues.


• Ability to develop therapeutic programs that promote recovery and support mental health stabilization.


• Meets all health and background investigation regulations required by California Title 22 and Title 17.

• A Clear criminal record review and fingerprint background check


• Successful completion of a Negative Drug Test

License, Certification, Registration

• Recreational Therapist Certification (CTRS)


• Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support Certification


• Must have an active Driver's License


• Must provide proof of vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $30,000 liability

*Hiring is contingent upon a full background screening in accordance with California licensing regulations; DOJ/FBI clearance, pre-employment physical and TB clearance.

Competencies

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems time efficiently; Gathers and analyzes information; Develops solutions; Uses reason. 


• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively; Listens and gets clarification when necessary; Responds informatively to questions; Demonstrates presentation skills; Participates in meetings. 


• Written Communication - Writes clearly and concisely; Edits work; Presents data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.


• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Arrives at appointments on time; Plans when unable to make appointments; Notifies patients when unable to arrive at scheduled time of appointment. 


• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Able to handle frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. 


• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives. 


• Professionalism - Approaches others in a polite and tactful manner; Maintains composure and reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. 


• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  

Physical Demands

• Occasionally required to sit. 


• Occasionally required to walk. 


• Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. 


• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. 


• Occasionally required to talk or hear. 


• Occasionally required to bend, lift, or climb. 


• Occasionally required to lift light weights (less than 25 pounds). 


• Occasionally required to lift moderate weights (25-50 pounds). 


• Occasionally required to lift heavy weights (50 pounds or greater). 


• Finger dexterity required. 


• Hand coordination required.


• Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust or focus.

Schedule:  Monday - Friday