Recreational Therapist (CTRS)

BEACON BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES • New Orleans, LA

2d

About The Position

The Recreational Therapist (CTRS) at Beacon in New Orleans enhances the quality of life for people facing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges by designing and implementing therapeutic recreational programs. The therapist assesses patients’ needs and interests and develops personalized treatment plans that promote wellness, independence, and social engagement. Working with multidisciplinary teams, the therapist integrates recreational therapy into comprehensive care strategies. Evidence-based interventions help patients improve physical abilities, reduce stress, and foster positive behavioral changes, supporting holistic rehabilitation and well-being across diverse patient populations and healthcare and community settings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy or a related field.
• Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
• Valid state licensure or registration if required by the state of employment.
• Strong knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles and practices.
• Experience working with diverse patient populations in clinical or community settings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple treatment plans and accurately document patient progress.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related discipline.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and documentation software.
• Training or certification in specialized therapeutic modalities such as aquatic therapy or cognitive rehabilitation.
• Previous experience in a hospital, rehabilitation center, or long-term care facility.
• Bilingual abilities or experience working with multicultural populations.
• Specialized therapeutic knowledge and cultural competence to tailor interventions to diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ recreational interests, abilities, and therapeutic needs.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans that use recreational activities to achieve therapeutic goals.
• Facilitate group and individual therapy sessions using activities such as arts and crafts, sports, games, and community outings.
• Monitor and document patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary to optimize outcomes.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, family members, and caregivers to ensure coordinated and effective care.
• Educate patients and their families about the benefits of recreational therapy and encourage active participation.
• Maintain compliance with professional standards, ethical guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time