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.