Recreational Therapist

DHRM•Petersburg, VA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

Central State Hospital is seeking a Recreational Therapist to provide recovery-focused care to adults ages 18–64 in its maximum-security unit. Patients have varying diagnoses, including serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder, and may have legal involvement. The position offers experience in clinical and behavioral health care, with a holistic treatment approach that supports individual recovery and successful community reintegration. A typical day includes a morning briefing, participation in treatment team meetings, assessments, and treatment planning. Therapists generally facilitate two to three therapeutic groups per day, scheduled at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., depending on assignment and coverage needs. Other duties include documentation, planning, assessments, and professional development. New staff receive department orientation, including visits to other hospital units to observe groups and treatment teams. The position is typically scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours and schedules may change based on operational needs and may include evening, weekend, and holiday coverage. The position is assigned to the Maximum-Security Unit, though unit assignments may change based on operational needs. Central State Hospital is a 277-bed Joint Commission-accredited psychiatric inpatient facility in Petersburg, Virginia. It provides maximum-security treatment and inpatient care for people in the community and individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a closely related field that meets the academic and internship requirements for national certification.
Eligibility at the time of hire to obtain Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Obtain CTRS certification within one year of employment and maintain it as a condition of continued employment.
Valid Virginia driver's license.
Knowledge of recreational therapy principles, psychiatric rehabilitation, and behavioral health treatment practices.
Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care models.
Knowledge of group dynamics, therapeutic recreation interventions, and patient engagement strategies.
Ability to conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and develop individualized treatment interventions.
Ability to facilitate therapeutic groups and individual interventions for diverse patient populations.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, and community providers.
Ability to recognize behavioral changes and respond appropriately during crisis situations.
Ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation within an electronic health record.
Ability to organize workload, prioritize responsibilities, and function effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Skill in therapeutic communication, conflict resolution, and verbal de-escalation techniques.

Nice To Haves

Current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification.
Experience providing recreational therapy services in an inpatient behavioral health, psychiatric, or forensic setting.
Understanding of CMS documentation requirements.

Responsibilities

Participate in morning briefings and interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
Conduct clinical assessments and contribute to treatment planning.
Facilitate therapeutic groups and individual interventions for diverse patient populations.
Provide recovery-focused recreational therapy to adults in a maximum-security behavioral health setting.
Complete clinical documentation in an electronic health record.
Plan therapeutic interventions and manage workload and priorities.
Recognize behavioral changes and respond appropriately during crisis situations.
Communicate with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, and community providers.