Recreation Therapist, New Day Residential

RWJBarnabas Health; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 37,800 - 53,837; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health in Elizabeth, NJ is seeking a Recreation Therapist for the NPC Plaza Building location. This evening shift role supports girls aged 15–19 in a state residential program, providing structured recreational therapy and activities aligned with treatment planning.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Creative Arts Modality and board certification. The position offers per diem scheduling with 3–11 pm hours and an hourly pay of $33.26.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Creative Arts Modality (Art, Dance, Music, or Recreation Therapy).
• At least one year of Recreation Therapist applicable work experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapy and activities to encourage development of recreational interests and skills for youth in program.
• Recreation/leisure assessment and reporting.
• Implement structured activities on-site or in the community aligned with treatment planning.

Skills

Recreation therapy

Education

Board certification in Art, Dance/Movement, Music, or Recreation Therapy

Creative Arts Modality degree (B.A./M.A.) in Art, Dance, Music, or Recreation Therapy

Job description

Job Title: Recreation Therapist

Location: NPC Plaza Building, 654 E. Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07206

Shift: Evening (3‑11 pm)

Pay Range: $33.26 per hour

Job Overview

New Day Residential Program (NDRP) is a state specialty bed, residential level of care facility (group home). The program model is based on a community‑oriented framework of practice, which includes a culture of non‑violence; shared governance; social responsibility and personal growth and change. The primary goal is to provide a caring, therapeutic environment that facilitates and promotes adaptive skill acquisition in a safe, supportive environment for girls aged 15‑19 years old who reside in the program for nine months to a year.

Through the provision of therapy, programs, resources, and support staff, the Recreation Therapist works with patients to encourage the development of satisfying recreational interests and skills for participation in on‑site and community‑based recreational programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Creative Arts Modality (Art, Dance, Music, or Recreation Therapy)
• At least one year of Recreation Therapist applicable work experience

Certifications and Licenses Required

• Board certification in Art, Dance/Movement, Music, or Recreation Therapy

Scheduling Requirements

• Shift working, evening shift is 3‑11 pm
• May work up to 6 hours per week
• Per Diem (PD)

Essential Functions

• Allied activities are based on the cognitive and emotional needs of the youth in the milieu and require identified outcome measures
• Provide youth with structured and guided activities on the program's site or in the community which are participatory in nature and directly related to the youth treatment planning needs
  • Examples may include, but are not limited to: yoga, movement, music, art therapy, vocational activities, etc.
• Recreation/leisure assessment and reporting

Benefits

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market‑competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees' physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

Equal Employment Opportunity

RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer