RECREATION THERAPIST (BA)

Universal Hospital Services Inc.; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Spring Mountain Treatment Center in Las Vegas, NV, seeks a PRN Recreation Therapist (BA) to plan, direct and implement activity therapy as part of the patient’s treatment plan within a secure inpatient setting.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Recreation Therapy or related field and CTRS certification (or eligibility), with BLS preferred. You will assess patients, design leisure activities, and contribute to treatment progress while upholding safety and empathy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy or related mental health field.
• CTRS certification or eligible to obtain one.
• Minimum 1 year experience in a psychiatric facility preferred.
• Ability to administer Activity Therapy assessment and interpret to write ITP’s preferred.
• Knowledge of treatment programs, leisure education, social skill development, arts, and sports.
• Ability to modify activity according to patient participation and/or disability.
• Experience with age-specific inpatient setting preferred.
• Experience in taking psychosocial history and case management.
• Knowledge of developmental psychology of adolescent and adults and ability to identify clinical information.
• New hires must obtain BLS Basic Life Support certification.
• Background check will be performed.

Responsibilities

• Complete activity assessments through observation and patient/family interview for treatment planning.
• Plan, direct and implement activities to support treatment goals.
• Lead activities including therapeutic leisure skills, education and awareness.
• Facilitate sessions to improve patient mental and physical well‑being.
• Instruct patients in sports, dance, art or relaxation techniques.
• Develop plans and interventions to meet patient needs and goals.
• Maintain a positive, empathetic attitude and address safety and complaints.
• Perform other duties as assigned/required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Patient care orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy or relevant mental health field

CTRS certification or eligible to obtain one

Job description

Responsibilities

Spring Mountain Treatment Center is a 110-bed mental health facility providing acute crisis stabilization services for adults, teens, and children in a secure inpatient setting since 2001. Our individualized treatment includes a structured, therapeutic environment, intensive physician involvement and oversight, and daily group and educational programs. We provide a caring and healthy environment that gives individuals a chance to make positive changes.

Website: https://www.springmountaintreatmentcenter.com

Spring Mountain Treatment Center is currently seeking a dynamic professional to join our team as a PRN Recreation Therapist (BA). The Recreation Therapist's (BA) role is to plan, direct and implement activity therapy programs as a component of the patient's treatment plan.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview, obtaining information on the patient’s needs, skills, interests and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
• Plan, organize, direct and implement the activities within the treatment program to facility patient progress with treatment goals.
• Plan and implement an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness.
• Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well-being.
• Instruct patients in activities and techniques, such are sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs.
• Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and help the patient achieve his/her treatment goals.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, they acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
• Performs other duties as assigned/required by this position.

About Universal Health Services:

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) is one of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services. Since our founding in 1979, UHS has grown steadily into a premier Fortune 500® corporation perennially recognized by multiple esteemed national rating entities. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates inpatient acute care facilities, inpatient behavioral health facilities, outpatient and other facilities, nationwide virtual behavioral health services, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services with physical locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Ireland and United Kingdom. www.uhs.com.

From Fortune, ©2025, 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree from an Accredited University in Recreation Therapy or relevant mental health field
• Must be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Art Therapist with certification or any recreation therapy specialty, or be eligible to obtain such certification
• Minimum of one year experience working in a psychiatric facility preferred
• Ability to administer Activity Therapy assessment and interpret to write ITP’s preferred
• Knowledge of treatment programs, leisure education, social skill development, arts, and sports, needed
• Ability to modify activity according to patient participation and/or disability
• Experience with age‑specific inpatient setting preferred
• Experience in taking psychosocial history and case management
• Knowledge of developmental psychology of adolescent and adults and have the capacity to identify pertinent clinical information
• Possesses knowledge of clinical issues related to substance abuse patients and their discharge planning
• Good communication skills, i.e., reading, writing, and speaking
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
• Good leadership qualities which includes self‑control, patience, and empathy
• Obtain BLS Basic Life Support certification
• New hires are required to attend 1 full week of New Employee Orientation on day shift, normally 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
• Must successfully pass background check (includes criminal history, Child Abuse and Neglect Registry, and ABI/FBI fingerprint check)

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.