Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - PRN

University of Missouri Health Care • Columbia, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

MU Health Care is looking for a compassionate, creative, and driven Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who is passionate about helping patients rediscover joy, purpose, and connection through meaningful activities. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder who thrives in a collaborative care environment and is energized by making a direct impact on patients’ emotional, social, and physical well-being. This individual brings strong observational skills, adaptability, and a talent for inspiring engagement across diverse patient populations. We value professionals who are innovative, proactive, and committed to tailoring experiences that support each patient’s unique journey toward recovery and reintegration. The right candidate will be an organized and enthusiastic communicator who excels at working alongside interdisciplinary teams to create holistic, patient-centered care plans. If you are motivated by purpose and driven to elevate the patient experience through creativity and compassion, MU Health Care invites you to bring your talents to our team.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities can be acquired.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification, or certification eligible, by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
• Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patient therapeutic recreational needs, develop individual goals and objectives, and follow up on patient progress.
• Assess through observation patient group and social skills, use of communication, and problems, which would hinder re-integration.
• Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team (such as physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers) to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
• Work with other departments to coordinate services.
• Document patient progress towards goals and objectives and report progress in team rounds and conferences.
• Plan, conduct, coordinate, and supervise a variety of therapeutic recreation programs, including programming in leisure skills, social skills, diversional activities, and fitness.
• Provide educational and/or in-service training/programs as necessary to staff, volunteers, allied health professionals, community and patient families.
• May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

Benefits

• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level