Recreation Therapy Specialist

Choose901; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Choose901 in Memphis, TN is seeking a Recreation Therapy Specialist to work with youth in a residential setting, developing social interaction, self-esteem, and teamwork through structured recreation programs.

You will facilitate daily groups, coordinate campus activities, and support the treatment team by integrating therapy into daily routines while promoting life skills and safety. Position is based on site in Tennessee.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy (required).
• Must have or be eligible for CTRS certification (required).
• Experience working with at-risk youth (preferred).
• Experience working with youth (required).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develops and facilitates recreation programs (music, dance, arts and crafts, nature study, etc.).
• Promotes life skills training through therapeutic activities.
• Promotes and coordinates participation in clubs and organizations.
• Works with the residential treatment team to ensure recreation is well-balanced and integrated with services.
• Maintains recreation equipment and coordinates replacement as needed.
• Oversees canoeing and high ropes equipment use and resident participation.
• Oversees initial recreational assessments upon intake (within 14 days).
• Trains Youth Villages staff on new activities and materials.
• Completes daily documentation in EMR.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy

CTRS certification

Job description

Program Overview

Youth Villages’ residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.

Position Overview

Our Recreation Therapy Specialists work with young people in a residential setting to develop their abilities to interact with others in a team and increase their self-esteem. An ideal Recreation Therapy Specialist is creative, enthusiastic and can come up with new and innovative games and activities to keep the residents engaged, all while building confidence in their abilities and promoting their teamwork skills. Recreation Therapy Specialists facilitate groups with the youth on a daily basis and coordinate additional activities for the campus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and facilitates recreation programs (including but not limited to music, dance, arts and crafts, cultural arts, nature study, swimming, social recreation and games, camping, etc.)
• Promotes life skills training through therapeutic activities
• Promotes and coordinates participation in clubs and organizations (including but not limited to student council, intramural sports leagues, other volunteer activities, etc.)
• Works with the residential treatment team to ensure that recreation is well-balanced, scheduled appropriately, and integrated with special services
• Maintains recreation equipment and consults with leadership for replacement of depleted equipment
• Oversees the use of canoeing and high ropes courses equipment and resident participation on applicable campus
• Oversees initial recreational assessment upon intake (within 14 days)
• Introduces and trains Youth Villages staff on new program activities, equipment, and materials
• Completes daily documentation (such as contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR)

Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information

• The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility.
• Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.
• Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.
• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.
• Schedule is flexible and may require some weekend hours.

Salary

$50,000-57,000 per year based on education and certification

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy (required)
• Must have or be eligible for CTRS certification (required)
• Experience working with at-risk youth (preferred)
• Experience working with youth (required)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule