Pediatric Recreation Therapist – Community Programs

RWJBarnabas Health; Mountainside (NJ); On-site; USD 54,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Retirement Plans

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

FSAs (Health/Dep Care)

Wellness Programs

Discounts

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health’s Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside seeks a Recreation Therapist to develop and lead adaptive recreation for children and teens with special healthcare needs. You’ll collaborate with families, schools, and community partners to deliver engaging programs across aquatics, camps, and activities that promote physical and social development.

The role requires CTRS certification, BLS, a NJ driver’s license, and a 40-hour week including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, or Recreational Therapy from an accredited program with emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Certification: CTRS via NCTRC and BLS Provider Certification; WSI/Aquatics Instructor preferred.
• Licensure: Valid New Jersey Driver's License.
• Experience: Pediatric clinical affiliation or experience with pediatric populations; developing adapted recreation programs preferred.
• Skills: Adapt activities for various disabilities; proficient in Microsoft Office; strong interpersonal and time management; initiative and judgment; able to collaborate with families, volunteers, and partners; Spanish a plus.
• Schedule: 40 hours/week including evenings, weekends, and community-based hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Manager of Community Programs to coordinate adapted recreation for children and adolescents.
• Plan and lead therapeutic recreation programs including aquatics, martial arts, camps, and community activities.
• Adapt activities, equipment, and spaces to meet diverse abilities and needs.
• Prepare materials, equipment, and spaces to ensure safe, engaging delivery.
• Support participant registration, scheduling, attendance tracking, and logistics.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and student interns.
• Coordinate with the Foundation to identify grant funding for community recreation services.
• Liaise with families, schools, healthcare providers, and organizations to identify opportunities for program expansion.
• Ensure safety and compliance with hospital policies and standards.
• Contribute to program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives.

Job description

RWJBarnabas Health’s Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside seeks a Recreation Therapist to develop and lead adaptive recreation for children and teens with special healthcare needs. You’ll collaborate with families, schools, and community partners to deliver engaging programs across aquatics, camps, and activities that promote physical and social development.

The role requires CTRS certification, BLS, a NJ driver’s license, and a 40-hour week including evenings and weekends.