Recreation Therapist

Thrive Behavioral Hospital; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan

Professional development

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Thrive Behavioral Hospital in Las Vegas seeks a passionate Recreation Therapist to design and lead therapeutic recreation activities that support patients' emotional, social, cognitive, and physical wellbeing. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team to help patients heal and grow.

Responsibilities include assessing needs, planning sessions, documenting outcomes, and collaborating with clinicians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field.
• CTRS certification through NCTRC — required or in progress.
• Experience in a behavioral health, psychiatric, or hospital setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient needs and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Plan and lead group and individual therapeutic recreation activities (art, music, movement, games, mindfulness, community outings).
• Document patient progress and treatment outcomes according to hospital standards.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other clinicians.
• Encourage patient engagement and coping skill development.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment at all times.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Group facilitation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy

CTRS certification (NCTRC)

Job description

Thrive Behavioral Hospital is a Las Vegas–based mental and behavioral health facility committed to compassionate, whole-person care. We help patients build the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to recover and thrive. Our recreation therapy program is a vital part of that mission.

The Role

We're seeking a passionate, creative Recreation Therapist to design and lead therapeutic recreation activities that support our patients' emotional, social, cognitive, and physical wellbeing. You'll be an integral member of our interdisciplinary treatment team, using recreation and leisure-based interventions to help patients heal and grow.

What You'll Do

• Assess patient needs, interests, and functional abilities to develop individualized treatment plans
• Plan and facilitate group and individual therapeutic recreation activities (art, music, movement, games, mindfulness, community outings, and more)
• Document patient progress and treatment outcomes in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other clinicians on integrated care
• Encourage patient engagement, coping skill development, and healthy social interaction
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment at all times

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field
• CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) certification through NCTRC — required or in progress
• Experience in a behavioral health, psychiatric, or hospital setting preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and group facilitation skills
• Compassion, patience, and a genuine commitment to patient-centered care
• Ability to pass a background check and meet Nevada health facility requirements

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Professional development and continuing education support
• A collaborative, mission-driven team environment