Recreational Therapist - PACE

Empath Health•Tampa, FL

About The Position

PACE, a member of Empath Health, is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Recreational Therapist for its interdisciplinary PACE team in Pinellas Park, Florida. The therapist assesses participants’ needs, interests, and capabilities and develops individualized therapeutic recreation plans. The role plans, organizes, directs, and participates in a comprehensive therapeutic recreation program tailored to the general and individual needs and limitations of frail elderly participants. PACE (the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) helps older adults remain safe and independent in their own homes. Its relationship-based, preventive care model emphasizes long-term participant connections and close collaboration among physicians, social workers, therapists, and other clinicians. The role also supports the organization’s mission of providing whole-person care with empathy and dignity. Empath Health is a Florida not-for-profit healthcare organization with a connected network of services, including hospice, home health, grief care, geriatric primary care, PACE, HIV and sexual health services, and dementia support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy or a related field.
Valid CPR certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
At least two years of experience within the past five years in a social or recreational program providing and coordinating services to a frail or elderly population.
At least one year of the required experience must have been full-time in a patient activities program in a healthcare setting.

Nice To Haves

Education or training in geriatrics, including dementia.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or CTRS eligibility.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial, quarterly, and ongoing participant assessments and contribute to interdisciplinary care planning.
Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized and group recreational activities that support cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Lead dementia-specific programming, including sensory stimulation and one-on-one engagement.
Coordinate community outings, special events, and monthly activity calendars.
Document participant progress, incidents, and program outcomes in compliance with organizational standards.
Train and support Activity Assistants and staff on recreational and dementia-related programming.
Assist with participant activities of daily living (ADLs), nutrition monitoring, and meal services as needed under RN supervision.
Maintain supplies, oversee activity areas, coordinate volunteers, and support quality improvement initiatives.
Ensure participant confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.