Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Advocates; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous perks of employment

Room for advancement

Healthy work-life balance

Job summary

Advocates in Lexington, MA is seeking a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) to support individuals with brain injuries through therapeutic recreation services. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, planning interventions, and leading community activities to enhance clients' well-being.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and CTRS certification, with a strong emphasis on cultural competency and problem-solving skills. This role offers a supportive environment focused on personal growth and professional advancement.

Qualifications

• Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) required.
• Strongly prefer experience with culturally diverse populations.
• Valid driver's license and operational vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to determine clients’ needs and interests.
• Plan and implement therapeutic recreation interventions.
• Document client participation and progress.
• Facilitate community outings and adaptive activities.
• Provide mentoring and training to new staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Cultural competency

Problem-solving skills

Computer and technology skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Job description

Overview

Starting rate:$25/hour

The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) will provide direct support to individuals with brain injury in the community. This role involves providing therapeutic recreation services designed to enhance physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and financial well-being for individuals with brain injuries and other neurological conditions. The CTRS is responsible for designing an environment that offers therapeutic and recreational activities and assists the Director with a larger focus on guiding the day‑to‑day operations of the program. They will provide hands‑on skills training that fosters growth and independence.

Advocates promotes a healthy work‑life balance and offers many generous perks of employment and room for advancement. We are a strong‑knit community that values the ideas and contributions of our staff.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor's Degree

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to determine clients’ leisure interests, functional abilities, and therapeutic needs.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate individualized and group therapeutic recreation interventions tailored to clients with brain injuries and neurological conditions.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and support person‑centered care plans.
• Document client participation, progress, and outcomes according to organizational and regulatory standards.
• Provide education and support to clients and caregivers on leisure skills, adaptive activities, and community resources.
• Facilitate fiscally conscious community outings, volunteerism, adaptive sports, expressive arts, cognitive stimulation activities, and social events.
• Facilitate, train and lead adaptive cycling program. Assist in the oversight and upkeep of cycle equipment facilitation of adaptive cycling.
• Consult with management, staff and the clinical team regarding individual’s status as needed.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance and role modeling for individuals.
• Implement and follow through on a comprehensive written therapeutic plan for all assigned individuals.
• Collaborate with the Director to provide continuous quality improvement of individualized programs and services with both internal and community resources.
• Assist with the development of program curriculum designed to promote individual growth and independence.
• Assist in the development of innovative program ideas and alternative therapeutic activities that foster individual’s empowerment and program satisfaction.
• Provide mentoring to staff. Train new incoming staff on program expectations and hands on care.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and engaging therapeutic environment.
• Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services to clients as needed.
• Work with the Director to interview, select, and provide the NCTRC required supervision for selected candidates in pursuit of CTRS professional certification through the academic internship or paid professional work experience pathway.

Qualifications

• Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field.
• Must have ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Strongly prefer a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a larger resource team.
• Strong computer and technology skills.
• Must demonstrate strong problem‑solving skills.
• Must hold a valid drivers’ license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients. Must be comfortable driving a wheelchair accessible van, loading, securing, and unloading individuals with and without mobility devices.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.