RECREATION THERAPY MANAGER

UHS • North Little Rock, AR

76d • Onsite

About The Position

For over 40 years The BridgeWay has been connecting with communities throughout Arkansas and beyond. The BridgeWay offers a continuum of services designed to help children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing behavioral, emotional or addictive problems that can lead to fractured lives. Our team of professionals includes board-certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrists, licensed clinical therapists, nurses and mental health associates who are here to help people reconnect with their families, friends and employers so that they may lead productive lives. Tucked within the wooded hills of Central Arkansas, The BridgeWay is just moments away from the major highways that unite Arkansans throughout the state. Founded in 1983 and accredited by The Joint Commission, our quiet campus has retained much of the cozy charm and character that existed then.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Recreational Therapist Manager to lead our therapeutic recreation programs. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in recreational therapy, with expertise in program development, patient assessment, and behavioral health care. This leadership role requires a proactive individual committed to enhancing the quality of life for diverse populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those undergoing mental health treatment. The Recreational Therapist Manager will oversee a team of therapists and activity specialists, ensuring the delivery of innovative, evidence-based therapeutic activities that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Requirements

• MUST HAVE A LICENSE FOR RECREATION THERAPY
• Extensive experience in recreational therapy modalities including music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, yoga, swimming, equine experience, and other therapeutic recreation techniques.
• Proven ability to develop innovative therapeutic programs tailored to diverse populations such as elderly patients, individuals with developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder, and those receiving hospice or elder care services.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology related to psychiatric patient care, dementia care (including Alzheimer’s), PTSD care, hospice care, and geriatrics.
• Expertise in patient assessment methods and diagnostic evaluation processes for mental health conditions.
• Excellent case management skills with experience working with individuals with disabilities or behavioral health conditions; familiarity with crisis management strategies.
• Ability to utilize de-escalation techniques effectively during behavioral incidents or emergencies.
• Competence in medical documentation practices while maintaining compliance with HIPAA standards; proficient in data collection for program evaluation purposes.
• Exceptional communication skills for client interaction—including individual and group counseling—and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Graduate of an accredited program with a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy or related field or equivalent experience.
• Competency in Activity Specialist duties and skills completed onsite.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within assisted living facilities or behavioral health hospitals is highly desirable; familiarity with special education settings is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive recreational therapy programs tailored to the needs of patients ages 6-17.
• Lead and supervise a team of recreational therapists and activity coordinators, providing mentorship, training, and performance evaluations.
• Conduct patient assessments to determine individual needs and develop personalized treatment plans utilizing modalities such as music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, yoga, swimming, equine-assisted activities, and group therapy sessions.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including nursing staff, mental health professionals, case managers, and family members to ensure holistic care delivery.
• Manage medical documentation and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations regarding patient records and confidentiality.
• Oversee intake procedures for new clients or patients requiring therapeutic recreation services and monitor progress through data collection and outcome measurement tools.
• Facilitate de-escalation techniques during behavioral crises while maintaining a safe environment for clients and staff.
• Promote program growth by developing new initiatives aligned with best practices in mental health and senior care while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.

Benefits

• The BridgeWay offers a continuum of services designed to help children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing behavioral, emotional or addictive problems that can lead to fractured lives.
• Our team of professionals includes board-certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrists, licensed clinical therapists, nurses and mental health associates who are here to help people reconnect with their families, friends and employers so that they may lead productive lives.
• Tucked within the wooded hills of Central Arkansas, The BridgeWay is just moments away from the major highways that unite Arkansans throughout the state.
• Founded in 1983 and accredited by The Joint Commission, our quiet campus has retained much of the cozy charm and character that existed then.
• Current Handle with Care and CPR certifications, or must obtain within 3 weeks of hire, offered onsite.

What This Job Offers

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