Recreation Therapist, PACE Program, Full-time

Hospice Savannah; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Hospice Savannah is seeking a PACE Recreation Therapist to join the Interdisciplinary Team in Savannah, GA. The role conducts assessments, reassessments, and leads a comprehensive therapeutic recreation program for PACE participants, primarily at the PACE Center with occasional community outings.

The position requires CMS-aligned qualifications, a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, and experience with elder populations; flexibility for varied schedules and teamwork is essential.

Qualifications

• CMS requirements for the frail or elderly population are specified.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy is preferred.
• Experience with EHRs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete recreational therapy assessments for new PACE participants.
• Reassess existing participants as part of the IDT plan.
• Provide comprehensive therapeutic recreation and activity programs.

Skills

Assessments

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Communication

Documentation

Leadership

Empathy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy

Tools

EHRs

Job description

Job Location: Hospice Savannah Inc., Savannah, GA 31406

Job Summary

The PACE Recreation Therapist is a member of the PACE Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and is responsible for completing recreational therapy assessments for new PACE participants and reassessments for existing PACE participants as part of the PACE IDT care planning process. The PACE Recreation Therapist is responsible for providing a comprehensive therapeutic recreation and activity program for PACE participants. Activities are provided primarily in the PACE Center on days of attendance but may also include group outings for participants in community locations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a social or recreational program providing and coordinating recreation services for the frail or elderly population within the past five (5) years (CMS requirement).
• One year of experience working with a frail or elderly population or, in the absence of such experience, receive appropriate training from PACE on working with a frail or elderly population before providing direct patient care to PACE participants independently (CMS requirement).
• Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by PACE before working independently (CMS requirement).
• Before engaging in participant care, be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have up-to-date immunizations and vaccines (CMS requirement).
• Have not been convicted of criminal offenses involving Medicaid, Medicare, other health insurance or health care programs, or social services programs under title XX of the Act (CMS requirement). Have not been excluded from participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs (CMS requirement).
• Have not been convicted of criminal offenses pertaining to physical, sexual, drug, or alcohol abuse (CMS requirement).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from an accredited college with emphasis on senior populations is required.
• Experience working in Electronic Health Record (EHRs) preferred.
• BLS Certified (preferred).

Competencies, Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in conducting individualized assessments using structured interviews, direct observation, and performance testing to identify participant strengths and limitations.
• Ability to develop and implement evidence-based recreational therapy plans tailored to participant needs and goals.
• Strong teamwork skills to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams, participants, and families.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with participants, families, and team members.
• Documentation: Ability to accurately document assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Creativity and Flexibility: Capacity to adapt activities and schedules to meet diverse participant needs.
• Leadership: Ability to train, supervise, and mentor assistants, interns, and volunteers.
• Empathy and Patience: Compassionate approach to supporting participants with varying abilities and emotional needs.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in using electronic health records and other digital tools for documentation and communication.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The role may require periods of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday, as well as frequent use of hands and arms for keyboarding, documentation, activity preparation, and facilitation of therapeutic interventions. The employee may be required to assist with positioning, transferring, or supporting patients or equipment and may occasionally lift, move, or carry items weighing up to 75 pounds. The position also requires sufficient sensory abilities—including vision, hearing, and perception—to safely observe and interact with patients during therapeutic activities. Work is primarily performed in an office setting and in designated activity or therapeutic spaces within the facility. The role may involve routine exposure to common office noise as well as intermittent exposure to patient care areas. Interactions may include working with individuals experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional, or behavioral challenges. The employee may be required to travel occasionally within the service area to support programming or patient needs.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, nonexempt position. The standard work schedule is Monday‑Friday from 8:00AM‑5:00PM for a total of approximately 40 hours per week. Evening, weekend, or additional hours may be required based on operational needs.

Travel

• Must be able to travel as required.
• Occasional group outings for participants in community locations.