Recreation Therapist - Behavioral Health

Saint Simons By-The-Sea; Georgia; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with company match

Student loan refinancing

Tuition assistance

Career development

Pet insurance

Benefits portal

Job summary

St Simons By-the-Sea is a 101-bed behavioral health hospital on St Simons Island, GA, seeking a Recreation Therapist to design and lead personalized recreation programs that support recovery and well-being. You will assess leisure needs, develop treatment plans with clear goals, and collaborate with Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, and Therapy to align recreation services with treatment goals.

Inpatient setting experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification required.
• Experience in inpatient setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead a well-rounded recreation therapy program including fitness, creative arts, outdoor activities, and special events; build engaging weekly schedules that encourage participation and progress.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team across Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, and Therapy to ensure recreation services are coordinated and aligned with overall treatment goals.
• Participate in treatment meetings and therapeutic groups, contributing to care planning while building strong partnerships with community agencies to expand patient opportunities.

Skills

Collaboration

Program design

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

CTRS certification

Job description

Responsibilities

St Simons By-the-Sea is a 101-bed behavioral health hospital specializing in psychiatric care and addiction treatment for both adults and adolescents. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based services in a supportive and collaborative environment where every staff member plays a vital role in changing lives.

With a strong commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care, we provide patients with the tools and support they need to achieve lasting recovery. Our programs are designed to address the unique needs of each individual, creating meaningful opportunities for progress, healing, and long-term success.

Nestled on the picturesque shores of St Simons Island, Georgia, our facility offers a serene coastal setting that promotes privacy, comfort, and focus. This peaceful environment not only enhances the patient experience but also creates a truly rewarding workplace for professionals seeking purpose-driven careers.

Conveniently located within driving distance of Jacksonville, Florida, Savannah, Georgia, and surrounding communities through South Georgia and North Florida, St Simons By-the-Sea combines accessibility with a tranquil atmosphere—making it an ideal place to grow your career while making a lasting impact.

Visit the site virtually: ssbythesea.com

As a Recreation Therapist, you’ll design and lead purposeful recreation programs tailored to individual interests, assess leisure needs, and develop treatment plans with clear goals and interventions that support overall well-being and progress.

Recreation Therapist Opportunity

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Design and lead a well-rounded recreation therapy program including fitness, creative arts, outdoor activities, and special events; build engaging weekly schedules that encourage participation and progress
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team across Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, and Therapy to ensure recreation services are coordinated and aligned with overall treatment goals
• Participate in treatment meetings and therapeutic groups, contributing to care planning while building strong partnerships with community agencies to expand patient opportunities

Benefit & Rewards Highlights

• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Competitive compensation & generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Tuition saving to continue your nursing education with Chamberlain University
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
• Pet Insurance
• More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: uhsguest.com

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

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification required
• Experience in inpatient setting preferred

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.