Behavioral Health Recreational Therapist

St. Joseph Medical Center•Kansas City, MO

51d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Recreational Therapist works with patients receiving inpatient psychiatric care to support mental health recovery. The role provides therapeutic recreation, group therapy, leisure counseling, activity therapy, and behavioral health interventions intended to improve emotional wellness, coping skills, social functioning, and quality of life. The position is in the Behavioral Health Unit at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. It is full-time, with day shifts of eight hours. The role collaborates with an interdisciplinary treatment team and maintains a safe, therapeutic environment for patients.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in Recreation Therapy, Art Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, or a related field.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential through NCTRC required.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience in a behavioral healthcare, rehabilitative, or skilled nursing facility (SNF) setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct recreational therapy assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
Facilitate group therapy sessions, therapeutic activities, leisure education, stress management, and coping-skills development.
Support patients with mental health disorders, psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders, crisis stabilization, and recovery programs.
Monitor patient progress and document treatment interventions in the electronic medical record.
Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, case managers, and the interdisciplinary treatment team.
Promote patient engagement, socialization, emotional regulation, and wellness through evidence-based therapeutic recreation activities.
Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment using de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.