RECREATION THERAPIST

The Embracing Project; DeFuniak Springs, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Company-paid Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Walton Academy for Growth and Change in DeFuniak Springs, FL is hiring a Recreation Therapist to lead therapeutic recreation activities for youths in residential care. The role involves coordinating programs, celebrations, and wellness activities while monitoring progress.

The position requires a BA/BS in recreation related field, with a Recreation Therapist license preferred and at least two years of experience (or six years with education/experience substitutions).

Qualifications

• BA/BS or higher in Recreation, Education, Recreation Therapist, Sports Management or related field.
• Recreation Therapist license preferred.
• Two years experience as Recreational Therapist or six years education/experience with state approval.

Responsibilities

• Provide Therapeutic Recreation on a scheduled basis for afternoons, evenings and weekends.
• Organize celebrations such as graduations, cultural events and holiday parties for students.
• Develop intramural sports programs to teach teamwork and healthy competition.
• Coordinate physical education and wellness activities with supervision.
• Maintain records and track youth progress; complete reports and required meetings.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor for staff and youth.
• Assist Group Living with duties when needed.

Skills

Communication

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Recreation/ Education/ Recreation Therapist/ Sports Management or related field

Job description

Job Category: Professional Student Services

Requisition Number: RECRE017995

• Posted : August 27, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site
• Rate : $26.44 USD per hour

Locations

Showing 1 location

Defuniak Springs, Florida
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435, USA

Description

Join a group of passionate advocates on our mission to improve the lives of youth! Rite of Passage Team is hiring for a Recreation Therapist at Walton Academy for Growth and Change in DeFuniak Springs, FL

Located near the white sand beaches of Northwest Florida in DeFuniak Springs - At Walton Academy, we provide residential treatment to improving the lives of high-risk Youth through mental health and substance abuse services. We offer skills and opportunities to our youth from Sports to Forklift training.

Hourly Pay: $26.44

Perks & Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and company paid Life Insurance. Paid Time Off that you can use as soon as it accrues, free meals on shift, 9 paid holidays and more! ROP-benefits-and-perks-2

Day in the Life: Provides Therapeutic Recreation on a scheduled basis to include afternoon, evening and weekend activities. Organize special celebrations such as graduations, cultural celebrations and holiday parties for students. Develops an intramural sports program that promotes healthy competition while teaching the students how to work together as a team. Demonstrates knowledge, understanding and effectiveness at coordinating physical education and wellness activities. Ensures proper supervision of at all times for recreation activities. Assists with tracking of points in the Behavior Management systems. Completes all assigned reports and maintains records to track each youth’s physical progress. Attends and participates in all required meetings. Acts as a positive role model and mentor for both staff and youth. Assists Group Living with their duties when needed.

To be considered you should: BA/BS degree in Recreation, Education, Recreation Therapist, Sports Management or related field. (Master’s degree preferred). Recreation Therapist license preferred. Two years experience working as a Recreational Therapist OR, six years combination of education, experience and training may substitute the degree and experience levels required for an hourly position with approval of state licensing and/or client approval in writing. Position requires working with juveniles who may have committed dangerous aggressive acts. Must meet the requirements to be an eligible ROP driver. Ability to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, physical and TB test. Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing. Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Able to work in excess of 40 hours per week as needed. Must be flexible and able to handle multiple priorities.

After 40 years of improving the lives of youth, we are looking for passionate advocates to continue the legacy of helping young people become successful adults. As a Recreation Therapist, you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe and supportive environment for the youth we serve while building a career rich in growth opportunities and self-fulfillment.

Innovative

Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Dedicated

Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Goal Completion

Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Self-Starter

Inspired to perform without outside help

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education

Required

Bachelors or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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