Director of Recreational Therapy
About The Position
Three Trails Behavioral Hospital in the area of Independence, MO is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Recreational Therapy to lead and oversee their therapeutic recreational programming. This leader will be responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive recreational and experiential therapy program that supports patient treatment goals and enhances overall patient outcomes. The ideal candidate is a creative, organized, and patient-centered leader with a strong background in behavioral health and therapeutic programming. The hospital, expected to open in the second half of 2026, will serve children and adolescents, adults, and seniors with innovative and evidence-based inpatient behavioral healthcare. It will create over 200 new full-time jobs and will be located at the intersection of I-70 and Little Blue Parkway, adjacent to the Children’s Mercy Hospital Outpatient Clinics. The facility will span more than 88,000 square feet and include an activity yard and gym, featuring 120 licensed beds.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field required
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) required (or eligible)
- Strong organizational, leadership, and program development skills
- Ability to engage diverse patient populations in a therapeutic environment
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in related field preferred
- Minimum of 3–5 years of behavioral health or psychiatric experience (preferred)
- Previous leadership or management experience preferred
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and direction for the Recreational Therapy department
- Develop and manage a comprehensive therapeutic programming schedule along with the clinical team (groups, activities, and interventions)
- Ensure all programming aligns with clinical treatment plans and regulatory standards
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate recreational therapy staff and interns
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support individualized patient care plans
- Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and patient engagement outcomes
Benefits
- Competitive Compensation and Generous Paid Time Off
- Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plan
- Employee Assistance Program available for employees and family
- 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
- Basic Life Insurance and Optional supplemental life insurance
- Career development opportunities across UHS and out 300+ locations!
- Challenging and rewarding work environment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
