Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (Pediatric Experience Required)

Blythedale Children's Hospital is a leading pediatric hospital dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care. As the only free-standing children's specialty hospital in New York State, we admit patients with complex medical conditions to our state-of-the-art 94-bed inpatient facility from academic medical centers across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Located just 25 miles north of Manhattan in beautiful Westchester County, we offer an inspiring work environment where healthcare professionals thrive.  Learn more about Blythedale on our website here.

Blythedale Children's Hospital is seeking a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) to join our team. Primary responsibilities on our inpatient unit Child/Adolescent Unit with some float responsibilities on other units  The ideal CTRS candidate is compassionate and skilled at assessing the unique recreational needs of infants, children and teens with medical complexities. 

Tuesday - Saturday Five shifts per week with a  variable schedule: weekdays, 11:30a-7:30p (with evening differential); weekends, 9:30a-5:30p; and availability for three holidays (with premium pay).

• Responsibilities will include planning and implementing appropriate recreational activities for both individual and group programming.
• Assesses recreational and leisure needs hospital wide and develops therapeutic services to address these needs. 
• CTRS will provide goal – directed therapy and leisure education both 1:1 and in the group setting.
• CTRS will be responsible for scheduling and updating monthly activities calendar.
• Contribute to program development and special projects department and hospital wide as assigned by Supervisor.
• Sets up developmentally appropriate activities for assigned children
• Responsible for appropriate care of materials (organization, clean-up, maintaining a clean environment).
• Writes appropriate anecdotal notes on assigned group of children.
• Is attentive to track and monitor the children for respiratory distress.
• Demonstrates competency appropriate to the ages of the patients served including the ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of the patients’ needs.
• Demonstrates appropriate response and judgment during a life-threatening situation.
• Continuously assesses play situations for children. Observing and determining unsafe situations and responding appropriately.
• Effectively communicates with nurses and other medical staff regarding a child’s medical needs.
• Provides consistent carryover of behavioral management programs designed for individual children.
• Assists in orientating new volunteers to the programs.
• Actively participates in staff training and in-service programs.
• Assists other department personnel in the planning and delivering of special activities.
• Practices appropriate communication with supervisor.
• Works with the community Relations Department on various internal and external events and projects.
• Perform any other duties as directed by Supervisor.

• Minimum one year of experience working with a pediatric population.

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation (or related field).
• CTRS certification (or eligible for certification within six months of start date).

• Ability to meet flexible scheduling demands and to meet patient care needs which may include evenings, weekends and holidays. 
• Ability to roll patients in wheelchairs, stretchers along with patient equipment.

• Competitive Salary: We offer a salary that reflects your skills and experience.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to mentorship, leadership training, and career advancement programs.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Including medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family.  
• Retirement Plans with Employer Matching: Secure your future with our strong retirement plans.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policies.
• Safe Work Environment: Commitment to everyone’s safety and well-being.
• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: A workplace that values and supports all employees.

Blythedale Children's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).