Recreation Therapist

Manhattanville Rehabilitation & Health Care Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Manhattanville Rehabilitation & Health Care Center is seeking a compassionate Recreation Therapist to design, coordinate, and lead meaningful activities that enhance residents’ quality of life and social engagement. You will work with interdisciplinary teams to support emotional and physical well-being.

The role emphasizes creativity, patience, and a resident-centered approach in a supportive long-term care setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy or related field is preferred.
• CTRS certification preferred or required by regulations.
• Experience with older adults in long-term care or rehabilitation is preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Creative and enthusiastic approach to programming.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized and group recreational therapy programs.
• Plan and facilitate diverse recreational, social, educational, and therapeutic activities.
• Encourage participation and social engagement among residents.
• Adapt activities for varying physical and cognitive abilities.
• Conduct assessments and maintain documentation of participation and progress.
• Collaborate with nursing, social services, rehab, dietary, and other teams.
• Organize events and outings throughout the year.
• Incorporate music, arts, games, exercise, reminiscence, and current events into programming.
• Maintain monthly activity calendar and scheduling communications.
• Engage family and community involvement when appropriate.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Creativity

Patience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy

Job description

Manhattanville Rehabilitation & Health Care Center -

Manhattanville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center is seeking a compassionate and creative Recreation Therapist to join our team. The Recreation Therapist will develop, coordinate, and facilitate meaningful recreational and therapeutic activities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life, promote social engagement, encourage independence, and support emotional and physical well-being.

The ideal candidate is energetic, patient, organized, and passionate about creating an engaging environment where residents feel valued, included, and connected.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized and group recreational therapy programs based on residents’ interests, abilities, needs, and preferences.

• Plan and facilitate a variety of recreational, social, educational, cultural, and therapeutic activities.

• Encourage resident participation and create opportunities for socialization, self-expression, and meaningful engagement.

• Adapt activities to accommodate residents with varying physical, cognitive, and functional abilities.

• Conduct assessments and maintain appropriate documentation related to residents’ recreational needs, participation, progress, and preferences.

• Collaborate with nursing, social services, rehabilitation, dietary, and other interdisciplinary team members to support resident-centered care.

• Organize special events, celebrations, outings, entertainment, and other programming throughout the year.

• Incorporate music, arts and crafts, games, exercise, reminiscence, current events, and other activities into programming as appropriate.

• Maintain an organized monthly activity calendar and ensure activities are properly scheduled and communicated.

• Encourage family and community involvement in recreational programming when appropriate.

• Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and stimulating environment for all residents.

• Follow facility policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Maintain accurate records and complete required documentation in a timely manner.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field preferred.

• Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred or required based on applicable regulations.

• Previous experience working with older adults, long-term care residents, rehabilitation patients, or individuals with disabilities preferred.

• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

• Creative and enthusiastic approach to developing recreational programming.

• Ability to work effectively with residents, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

• Ability to adapt activities to meet a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities.

• Must demonstrate patience, compassion, professionalism, and respect for residents’ dignity and preferences.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who can bring energy, creativity, and purpose to the resident experience. If you enjoy creating activities that get people talking, laughing, creating, moving, and connecting, we’d love to have you join our team