Certified Recreational Therapist

National Psychiatric Care and Rehabilitation Services; Ashland (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National Psychiatric Care and Rehabilitation Services in California is seeking a qualified Recreational Therapist to plan and implement therapeutic activities for residents.

You will collaborate with clinical staff, document progress in PointClick Care, and ensure safety and confidentiality. This role requires CTRS or equivalent, a bachelor's in recreation therapy, and the ability to foster recovery-focused programming; schedule is Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• CTRS or equivalent certification required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field.
• At least 1 year of experience with adults in mental health or rehabilitation settings.
• Knowledge of recreational therapy techniques for severe mental health issues.
• Ability to develop programs that support recovery and stabilization.
• Meets California Title 22 and Title 17 background regulations.
• Clear criminal record check and fingerprinting; negative drug test.
• Active driver's license and proof of vehicle insurance ($30,000).

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement therapeutic recreational activities tailored for residents.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to integrate therapy into treatment plans.
• Evaluate participation and progress; adjust approaches to meet goals.
• Document assessments, progress notes, and updates in EHR (PointClick Care).
• Promote wellness, social interaction, and a positive therapeutic environment.
• Advocate for recreational therapy within the treatment team.
• Follow health, safety, and confidentiality standards; participate in team meetings.
• Coordinate with external resources for post-discharge recreation and referrals.
• Establish therapeutic relationships and maintain patient communications.
• Uphold facility cleanliness of equipment and supplies.

Skills

CTRS certification

Therapeutic recreation

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement therapeutic recreational activities (e.g., group exercises, arts and crafts, games, outdoor activities) tailored to the needs of residents.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to integrate recreational therapy into each resident’s individualized treatment plan.
• Evaluate resident participation and progress, adjusting therapeutic approaches as needed to ensure goals are met.
• Maintain accurate documentation of resident assessments, progress notes, and treatment updates within the company’s Electronic Health Record system (PointClick Care).
• Ensure activities promote wellness, encourage social interaction, and foster a positive therapeutic environment.
• Serve as an advocate for recreational therapy within the treatment team, offering insights on how recreational activities can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
• Adhere to NPCRS policies and procedures, ensuring all health, safety, and confidentiality standards are maintained.
• Participate in resident treatment team meetings to provide feedback on client progress and make recommendations for ongoing care.
• Collaborate with outside resources and community programs to provide residents with appropriate post-discharge recreational opportunities and referrals.
• Participates as a team member in all program activities, reports observations, documents observations, and asks appropriate questions when clarification is necessary.
• Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with all patients.
• Facilitates communication between patient and provider via phone, secure message, video, letter, and document appropriately.
• Support in relevant health and psychiatric teaching for patients and family. Serves as a role model for residents and peers.
• Effectively communicates with the team, participates in team meetings and shift exchange sharing knowledge, information, and problem-solving ideas.
• Upholds cleanliness of the facility equipment and supplies.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Licenses and Certifications - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or equivalent certification.
• Minimum Education - Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field.
• Minimum Experience - At least one (1) year of experience working with adults in a mental health or rehabilitation setting, providing structured recreational therapy.
• Knowledge of recreational therapy techniques and experience in working with individuals with severe mental health issues.
• Ability to develop therapeutic programs that promote recovery and support mental health stabilization.
• Meets all health and background investigation regulations required by California Title 22 and Title 17.

• A Clear criminal record review and fingerprint background check
• Successful completion of a Negative Drug Test

License, Certification, Registration

• Recreational Therapist Certification (CTRS)
• Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support Certification
• Must have an active Driver's License
• Must provide proof of vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $30,000 liability

*Hiring is contingent upon a full background screening in accordance with California licensing regulations; DOJ/FBI clearance, pre-employment physical and TB clearance.

Competencies

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems time efficiently; Gathers and analyzes information; Develops solutions; Uses reason.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively; Listens and gets clarification when necessary; Responds informatively to questions; Demonstrates presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and concisely; Edits work; Presents data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Arrives at appointments on time; Plans when unable to make appointments; Notifies patients when unable to arrive at scheduled time of appointment.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Able to handle frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a polite and tactful manner; Maintains composure and reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally required to sit.
• Occasionally required to walk.
• Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to bend, lift, or climb.
• Occasionally required to lift light weights (less than 25 pounds).
• Occasionally required to lift moderate weights (25-50 pounds).
• Occasionally required to lift heavy weights (50 pounds or greater).
• Finger dexterity required.
• Hand coordination required.
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust or focus.

Schedule: Monday - Friday