CERTIFIED RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Universal Hospital Services Inc.; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Life insurance

Disability insurance

FSA/HSA

Job summary

Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health, part of Universal Health Services, is seeking a Certified Recreational Therapist to plan and lead therapeutic recreation activities for children and teens in a residential/partial hospitalization setting. You will assess abilities, document outcomes, and collaborate with a treatment team.

The role requires a degree in Therapeutic Recreation (or related field) and CTRS/licensure, experience with youth in clinical settings, and the ability to operate

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Art Therapy, or Music Therapy and CTRS or license.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in residential or psychiatric settings.
• Prior residential treatment or psychiatric experience preferred.
• Must be able to supervise as needed and function with staff supervision.
• Must be able to operate 15-passenger vans and hold a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plan goal-oriented recreational therapy activities aligned with treatment goals.
• Lead and facilitate groups and document progress.
• Assess motor skills, cognition, and social functioning; communicate findings to treatment team.
• Demonstrate time management, problem-solving, and boundary-setting with patients and staff.
• Maintain professional boundaries and seek supervision as needed.

Skills

Therapeutic Recreation

Experience with children

CPR/First Aid trained

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Art Therapy, or Music Therapy; CTRS or license

Job description

Responsibilities

Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health is a leading community partner providing acute, residential, and Partial Hospitalization treatment for children and teens exhibiting behavioral and/or mental health concerns. The hospital provides high quality care to children, adolescents and their families using quality, evidence-based practice treatments. Founded in 1986, Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health is a 106-bed hospital facility accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).

Website: https://www.kempsvillecbh.com/

Position Description:

Certified Recreational Therapist serves as a role model for patients/residents to observe and learn socially effective values, attitudes and behaviors. Plans therapeutic groups and programs to meet assessed patients’ needs as indicated in the Treatment Plan and prescribed by the Professional/Medical Staff. Ensures environment remains safe and normative culture remains positive throughout facility.

Job Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Plan goal oriented therapeutic recreation activities to include community engagement, therapeutic groups, and the ability to associate group sessions to current treatment goals
• Provide a lead role with hands-on facilitation for groups and documentation
• Assessmotor skills, cognition, and social functioningof patients and communicate findings to therapeutic treatment
• Prioritize anddemonstrateeffective time management, have problem-solving abilities,appropriate socialskills, including role modeling and respect for staff and children
• Demonstrate communication skills forlimit-setting and boundaries for patients and staff is necessary
• Practice of therapeutic/professional boundaries; Have a willingness to seek/accept supervision when needed

Benefit Highlights:

• Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• Tuition Reimbursement program and student loan refinancing
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• Life Insurance and Disability Insurances
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Wellness Programs and other voluntary benefits
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
• More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website UHS Benefits Service Center

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500(R) corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies(TM) and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com.

From Fortune, (c)2025, 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited school in Therapeutic Recreation, Art Therapy, Music Therapy and current certification or registration within the respective field.
• Experience working with children and adolescents within a residential and/or psychiatric environment.
• Prior residential treatment or psychiatric experience preferred.
• Supervision Exercised: Students Supervision Received: Director of Education/Designee; Annual Working Conditions: Works within the facility/campus/unit, occasionally outside of the facility. May require physical exertion for recreational activities.
• Some risk involved in the event of aggressive/out-of- control residents; must possess physical ability to assist restraining residents under such circumstances.
• Must be able to operate 15 passenger vans. Schedule will include evening hours, weekends and holidays. Must possess valid driver's license.

Licensure/Certification: CTRS or license required

Physical requirements

The physical requirements for this position include being able to stand, squat, kneel, sit, and lie on the floor for long periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. of weight. Must be able to climb, run and walk for long periods of time as well. Must be able to lift 50lbs of weight. Must be able to read, write clearly, talk and listen. Able to verbally de-escalate and physically restrain patients/residents when necessary. Must be able to successful provide CPR. The Physical Requirements described herein are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the primary functions.

Exposure Categories

Blood borne disease exposure category: Category I

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.