Recreation Therapist

Ascent Behavioral Hospital • Millcreek, UT

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Therapist plays a critical role in the therapeutic milieu by designing and facilitating structured, goal-oriented recreational and experiential activities that support patients’ treatment goals. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Recreation Therapist uses evidence-based recreational therapy interventions to improve patients’ emotional regulation, social skills, coping strategies, self-esteem, and overall functioning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field
• Ability to facilitate group activities with adolescents in a behavioral health setting
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage challenging behaviors with professionalism and calm demeanor
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Must pass a federal background check

Nice To Haves

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
• Previous experience in a psychiatric hospital, residential treatment center, or behavioral health setting
• Experience working with adolescents
• Training in trauma-informed care, CPI, or de-escalation techniques

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and facilitate therapeutic recreational and experiential groups aligned with patients’ individualized treatment plans.
• Utilize evidence-based recreational therapy interventions to support emotional regulation, socialization, coping skills, and stress management.
• Collaborate with therapists, nursing staff, psychiatrists, and other treatment team members to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging therapeutic environment during activities.
• Adapt activities to meet the developmental, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of adolescent patients.
• Document group participation, patient engagement, and progress in the electronic medical record in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, providing input related to patient engagement, strengths, and progress.
• Support hospital initiatives related to patient safety, trauma-informed care, and quality improvement.
• Assist with special events, community-building activities, and therapeutic outings as clinically appropriate and approved.
• Model appropriate boundaries, communication, and behavior consistent with hospital policies and therapeutic standards.
• Lead daily therapeutic recreation groups and structured activities as scheduled.
• Assess patient participation and therapeutic response to recreational interventions.
• Communicate observations and concerns to the treatment team in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain inventory, cleanliness, and safe use of recreational equipment and supplies.
• Follow all hospital safety protocols, including supervision requirements and crisis response procedures.
• Participate in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care practices as trained.
• Maintain compliance with state regulations, hospital policies, and Joint Commission standards.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, and other insurance plans available after probationary period
• Employer contributions to Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Continued professional development and certification opportunities
• Significant discounts for hundreds of professional gear brands
• Close to many world-class ski resorts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level