Geriatric Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Long Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, seeks a Recreation Therapist at the full performance level to develop and administer therapeutic programs for geriatric patients. The role emphasizes evidence-based recreation therapy and collaborative care across health professionals.

Required a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy (NCTRC-approved) or a related field, with CTRS certification if applicable.

Qualifications

• Must have completed degree as specified and be NCTRC-approved.
• CTRS certification required if hired under alternative education path.
• Transcripts must be submitted with the application.

Responsibilities

• Develop, organize, and administer therapeutic recreational programs for geriatric patients.
• Provide therapeutic intervention tailored to complex diagnoses and functional deficits.
• Independently interpret referrals and apply health and safety regulations.
• Educate patients, families, and health care teams to support treatment plans.
• Utilize evidence-based techniques in recreation therapy assessment and treatment.

Skills

Clinical reasoning

Assessment adaptation

Health and safety awareness

Interdisciplinary communication

Direct patient care

Recreation therapy knowledge

Education of patients/families

Education

Bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation or related, NCTRC-approved

Bachelor's degree + CTRS certification option (NCTRC approved)

Job description

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, seeks a Recreation Therapist at the full performance level to develop and administer therapeutic programs for geriatric patients. The role emphasizes evidence-based recreation therapy and collaborative care across health professionals.

Required a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy (NCTRC-approved) or a related field, with CTRS certification if applicable.