Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

RiverVista Behavioral Hospital; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Dental & Vision benefits

401(k) with company match

PTO and paid holidays

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

RiverVista Behavioral Health in Columbus, OH is seeking a compassionate Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) to join a collaborative treatment team. The CTRS will lead structured recreational activities to promote engagement, coping skills, socialization, and emotional wellness for patients.

The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, and passionate about meaningful progress through therapeutic recreation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field is required.
• Current CTRS credential is required.
• Experience in behavioral health or inpatient settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to plan and implement individualized therapeutic interventions.
• Complete therapeutic recreation assessments and identify appropriate treatment interventions.
• Develop and facilitate activities and groups aligned with patients’ goals.
• Adapt activities to meet diverse cognitive, emotional, and physical needs.
• Document participation, progress, and outcomes accurately and timely.
• Reassess plans and update treatment goals as patient conditions change.
• Provide guidance to staff supporting recreation groups and activities.
• Maintain communication with nursing, social work, therapy, and medical teams.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Assessment & documentation

Group facilitation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation

CTRS credential

Job description

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

RiverVista Behavioral Health | Columbus, Ohio

Schedule: Monday–Friday, with weekend rotation
Hours: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Pay Range: $25–$35 per hour
Sign-On Bonus: $5,000

About the Role

RiverVista Behavioral Health is seeking a compassionate and creative Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) to join our interdisciplinary treatment team. The CTRS plays an important role in supporting patients through structured therapeutic recreation and activity-based interventions designed to promote engagement, socialization, coping skills, emotional wellness, and overall quality of life.

The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, and passionate about helping individuals achieve meaningful progress through therapeutic activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary treatment team to develop and implement individualized therapeutic interventions based on patient needs, treatment goals, diagnoses, abilities, and practitioner orders.
• Complete timely and thorough therapeutic recreation assessments and identify appropriate treatment interventions.
• Develop, plan, and facilitate therapeutic recreation activities and structured groups that support patients’ clinical and psychosocial goals.
• Adapt activities to meet the cognitive, emotional, physical, developmental, and functional needs of individual patients.
• Observe and document patient participation, behaviors, responses to interventions, and progress toward treatment goals.
• Regularly reassess patients and update individualized treatment plans based on changes in condition, progress, and clinical needs.
• Provide direction and support to staff assisting with therapeutic recreation and activity-based groups.
• Work closely with nursing, social work, therapy, medical, and other clinical team members to promote continuity of care and effective communication.
• Use appropriate therapeutic recreation theories, techniques, and evidence-based practices to support patient outcomes.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive clinical documentation in accordance with hospital policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and therapeutic environment for patients.
• Assist with program development and contribute ideas that enhance the therapeutic recreation program and overall patient experience.
• Participate in team meetings, treatment planning, and other clinical activities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or a related field required.
• Current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential required.
• Experience in behavioral health, mental health, inpatient, psychiatric, developmental, or healthcare settings preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, assessment, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to facilitate groups and engage patients with varying levels of participation and responsiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to develop creative, therapeutic, and clinically appropriate programming.

Why You’ll Love It Here (Full-Time Benefits)

• Multiple medical plan options, Vista Wellness (physician/pharmacy), Dental, Vision
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Life and disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement up to $15,000
• Student loan forgiveness programs
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on access to behavioral healthcare