Recreational Therapist

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Petersburg, VA

40d•$54,555 - $75,287•Onsite

About The Position

Central State Hospital (CSH), a 277-bed Joint Commission-accredited psychiatric inpatient facility in Petersburg, Virginia, is hiring a Recreational Therapist to provide recovery-focused care to adults ages 18–64 in its maximum-security unit. Patients have varied diagnoses, including serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders, and may have legal involvement. Treatment is holistic and may include medication, individual and group therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, court preparation, and substance-use treatment. The position typically works 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 role is assigned to the Maximum-Security Unit, though assignments may change based on operational needs. A typical day includes morning briefing, treatment-team participation, assessments and treatment planning, and therapeutic groups. Therapists generally facilitate two to three groups daily, depending on assignments and coverage needs, and also complete documentation, planning, assessments, and professional development. New staff receive department orientation that includes observing groups and treatment teams on other hospital units.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a closely related field meeting academic and internship requirements for national certification.
Eligibility at 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 models of care.
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 certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
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 activities.
Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and contribute to individualized treatment planning.
Facilitate therapeutic recreation groups and individual interventions for diverse patient populations.
Typically lead two to three therapeutic groups per day, depending on assignments and coverage needs.
Complete clinical documentation in an electronic health record.
Plan interventions and organize workload, prioritizing responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Recognize behavioral changes and respond appropriately during crisis situations.
Use therapeutic communication, conflict resolution, and verbal de-escalation techniques.
Communicate with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, and community providers.
Participate in department orientation and professional development.