Recreational Therapist

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Petersburg, VA

1d•$52,711 - $72,741•Onsite

About The Position

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277-bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027. CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use. Central State Hospital is recruiting for a Recreational Therapist to provide comprehensive recreational therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation services for individuals receiving inpatient behavioral health treatment. As a valued member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, this position conducts assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, and plans, implements, and evaluates evidence-based therapeutic recreation interventions that promote recovery, independence, and successful community reintegration. The Recreational Therapist facilitates therapeutic groups and individual interventions, documents patient progress in the electronic health record, collaborates with physicians and other clinical professionals, and contributes to a safe, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed treatment environment. This role also supports quality improvement initiatives, maintains professional standards and required certifications, and helps ensure the delivery of person-centered care that promotes dignity, engagement, and hope for every patient.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's or master's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a closely related field that meets the academic and internship requirements for national certification.
Eligibility to obtain certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) at the time of hire. Incumbents must obtain CTRS certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain certification 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

Conducts assessments.
Develops individualized treatment plans.
Plans, implements, and evaluates evidence-based therapeutic recreation interventions that promote recovery, independence, and successful community reintegration.
Facilitates therapeutic groups and individual interventions.
Documents patient progress in the electronic health record.
Collaborates with physicians and other clinical professionals.
Contributes to a safe, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed treatment environment.
Supports quality improvement initiatives.
Maintains professional standards and required certifications.
Helps ensure the delivery of person-centered care that promotes dignity, engagement, and hope for every patient.