Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist

NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with up to 4% match

Employee Assistance Program

Generous PTO and time-off policy

Capella University tuition offers

Work/life balance and growth potential

LifeMart employee discounts

Job summary

NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals is seeking a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist for North Valley Behavioral Hospital, a new hospital within the network. You will join a team prioritizing patient-centered care and deliver therapeutic recreation services to patients in acute psychiatric distress.

Role involves planning, leading, and evaluating therapy programs, and ensuring compliance with policies and privacy requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation with supervised internship completed.
• CTRS certification required.
• BLS and HWC certifications required (to be obtained during orientation).
• Completion of a supervised internship required.

Responsibilities

• Observe, analyze, and record patients’ participation and progress during treatment sessions.
• Develop treatment plans based on assessment, interests, and therapy objectives.
• Encourage patients with special needs to engage in health-promoting leisure activities.
• Provide counseling and encouragement to develop leisure activities.
• Collaborate with team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
• Conduct therapy sessions to improve mental and physical well-being.
• Instruct patients in activities (sports, dance, music, art, relaxation) tailored to needs.
• Assist with duties as directed by supervisor.
• Supervise activity program, staff, and related plans.

Education

Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation

CTRS certification

BLS certification

HWC certification

Job description

Healing Body and Mind. NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals is a national leader in behavioral healthcare, specializing in patients with acute psychiatric and complex medical needs. Our hospitals use an interdisciplinary, multi‑specialty approach that delivers high‑quality, patient‑centered care when it’s needed most.

With locations in Indiana, Michigan, Texas, and Arizona, we’re expanding access to our unique model of care across the United States. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of patients and families every day.

About the Position

North Valley Behavioral Hospital, a brand new psychiatric hospital within the NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals network, is looking for a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist. NPH is the national leader in providing medical and neurobehavioral care to patients in acute psychiatric distress. You will be joining a team of exceptional, patient‑centered staff who prioritize patients as our number one priority.

Key Responsibilities

• Observe, analyze, and record patients’ participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
• Develop treatment plans to meet patients’ needs, based on initial assessment, interests, and therapy objectives.
• Encourage patients with special needs to acquire new skills and engage in health‑promoting leisure activities such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and horticulture.
• Provide counseling and encouragement to develop leisure activities.
• Collaborate with team members to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
• Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients’ mental and physical well‑being.
• Instruct patients in activities and techniques such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, customized to their physical or psychological needs.
• Obtain information from medical records, staff, family, and patients to assess capabilities, needs, and interests.
• Demonstrate concern, initiative, resourcefulness, and calmness in emergencies.
• Remain prompt and efficient with minimal absences.
• Cooperate and maintain rapport with nursing, medical staff, other departments, and visitors.
• Seek guidance and remain knowledgeable of applicable federal and state laws, hospital policies, and compliance standards.
• Comply with hospital expectations regarding ethical behavior and standards of conduct.
• Comply with federal and hospital requirements for protected health information and patient privacy.
• Assist with other tasks as directed by supervisor.
• Supervise the activity program, staff, and related plans.
• Keep abreast of all pertinent regulations, laws, and policies as they may change.
• Ensure staff are trained and evaluated on compliance policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a baccalaureate degree program in therapeutic recreation, including completion of a supervised internship.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Handle with Care (HWC) certification required, to be obtained during orientation.
• Completion of a supervised internship required.
• Additional experience in a behavioral health setting preferred.
• Demonstrated competence to practice as a therapeutic recreation specialist or recreation therapist.
• Ability to lead and motivate people.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Creative and resourceful in therapy techniques.
• Good computer skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.

Benefits

• Competitive pay rates
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• NPH 401(k) plan with up to 4% company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous PTO and time‑off policy
• Special tuition offers through Capella University
• Work/life balance with great professional growth opportunities
• Employee discounts through LifeMart