Therapeutic Recreation Manager

ExtensisHR•Brooklyn, NY

About The Position

The Therapeutic Recreation Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a structured therapeutic recreation program tailored to the needs of clients in detox and rehabilitation settings. This position plays a critical role in enhancing patient engagement, supporting recovery through creative and physical activities, and contributing to the overall therapeutic environment of the facility.

Requirements

Current NY State QHP license or certification
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Effective time management and organizational abilities.
Proficiency with computer systems and documentation software.
Demonstrate leadership and interpersonal skills.
Ability to identify, assess and solve problems efficiently & effectively.
Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and professionalism when engaging with clients.
Designs programming that reflects individual needs, strengths, and recovery goals.
Effectively works with clinical, nursing, and operations teams to support coordinated care.
Communicates clearly and respectfully with colleagues and leadership.
Develops engaging, diverse, and recovery-focused activities.
Brings new ideas and therapeutic approaches to enhance the patient experience.
Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with staff, leadership, and clients.
Maintains clear and accurate documentation.
Provides guidance and support to interns and leads recreational initiatives with professionalism.
Models appropriate therapeutic boundaries and behavior.
Plans, coordinates, and implements multiple recreational and therapeutic activities efficiently.
Prioritizes tasks and meets deadlines.
Demonstrates awareness of and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs of clients and staff.
Adheres to organizational policies, ethical standards, and confidentiality regulations in all interactions and documentation.
Responds appropriately to client crises or changing program needs.
Adapts quickly and remains calm under pressure.
Maintains accurate records, follows through on assigned duties, and adheres to state and agency regulations (e.g., OASAS, Joint Commission, CARF and HIPAA).

Responsibilities

Create and implement a weekly recreation schedule for detox and rehab patients that includes a variety of physical, creative, social, and entertainment-based activities (e.g., yoga, visual art, storytelling, physical exercise, competitive games/sports, music, board/card games, film viewings).
Facilitates a minimum of one recreation group per day per assigned sites.
Develop and implement evidence based recreational therapy curriculum for use by clinical staff, covering group topics such as Meditation and Mindfulness.
Source and/or create multimedia resources (e.g., worksheets, articles, videos) to support group curriculum and train clinical staff on their effective use.
Organize, coordinate, and implement bi-monthly special events such as talent shows, field day events, alumni gatherings, and guest performances (e.g., recovery day, comedians or speakers).
Collaborate with the clinical director to implement changes to weekly therapy schedules and develop a monthly recreation and events calendar.
Use patient involvement to enhance clinical space (e.g., creating artwork for display and maintaining gardens).
Manage and mentor assigned interns.
Providing individual treatment/crisis Intervention to clients referred by counselors weekly.
Evaluate the effectiveness of recreational activities and their impact on client progress; communicate observations to counselors.
Supervise recreational activities and instruct/monitor patients in the safe use of materials and equipment.
Report all incidents or accidents that occur during recreational programming.
Maintain and submit timely documentation of patient participation in all group and recreational activities.
Create and submit weekly or bi-monthly supply orders and manage a basic monthly budget for group, recreation, and event planning.
Support the maintenance and updating of monthly program calendars.
Coordinate with nursing and counseling staff regarding patient participation in recreational programming.
Participate in ongoing program planning and evaluation in coordination with administration.
Maintain recreational supplies, materials, and equipment in good condition.
Other duties as assigned.