Recreational Therapist Cert

Community Health Systems•Jackson, MS

About The Position

Job Summary The Recreational Therapist – Certified is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs to support the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of patients. Through structured individual and group activities, the Recreational Therapist collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to promote recovery, independence, and an improved quality of life. Essential Functions Conducts patient assessments to evaluate leisure interests, abilities, and therapeutic needs, using standardized tools and clinical judgment. Develops individualized treatment plans with measurable goals aligned with the patient’s medical and behavioral health care objectives. Implements evidence-based recreational therapy interventions, including structured group and individual sessions, leisure education, and skill-building activities. Monitors patient progress and revises treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal outcomes. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team to support discharge planning and promote continued therapeutic engagement post-discharge. Assists with maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment, including participation in safety rounds and inspection of patient areas for contraband in behavioral health settings. Documents patient assessments, treatment plans, session notes, and outcomes in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory standards. Educates patients and families on the value of recreation in health and wellness to support long-term recovery and community reintegration. Performs other duties as assigned. Maintains regular and reliable attendance. Complies with all policies and standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in recreation healthcare related field, preferably in recreation therapy required
0-1 years of experience in a clinical or behavioral health setting required
Strong understanding of therapeutic recreation principles and interventions.
Ability to plan and lead engaging, therapeutic activities tailored to patient needs.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with patients, families, and care teams.
High level of empathy, patience, and clinical judgment.
Proficient in documenting clinical services in an electronic health record system.
BCLS - Basic Life Support required

Nice To Haves

CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist preferred or OT - Occupational Therapist – Registered preferred

Responsibilities

Conducts patient assessments to evaluate leisure interests, abilities, and therapeutic needs, using standardized tools and clinical judgment.
Develops individualized treatment plans with measurable goals aligned with the patient’s medical and behavioral health care objectives.
Implements evidence-based recreational therapy interventions, including structured group and individual sessions, leisure education, and skill-building activities.
Monitors patient progress and revises treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.
Collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team to support discharge planning and promote continued therapeutic engagement post-discharge.
Assists with maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment, including participation in safety rounds and inspection of patient areas for contraband in behavioral health settings.
Documents patient assessments, treatment plans, session notes, and outcomes in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
Educates patients and families on the value of recreation in health and wellness to support long-term recovery and community reintegration.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Complies with all policies and standards.