Recreational Therapist

HeartSOS by The Hope Source; Indiana; On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

HeartSOS by The Hope Source is seeking a dedicated Recreational Therapist to support clients in improving physical health, emotional resilience, and social engagement through personalized recreation programs.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design and deliver therapy activities, document progress, and promote client safety in a supportive, inclusive environment. A CTRS certification and relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field.
• CTRS certification required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in recreational therapy, preferably with individuals with disabilities.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized therapy programs for physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
• Facilitate sessions using recreation-based techniques (nature, sports, games, crafts).
• Assess client abilities, interests, and needs for engaging experiences in groups or one-on-one.
• Monitor and document progress; adjust activities and goals as needed.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Recreational Therapy

Job description

About Us:

Since 2007, The Hope Source has been providing cutting edge, trauma-responsive therapies for ASD. With the launch of its outpatient clinic, HeartSOS, The Hope Source is committed to providing innovative, person-centered services that empower individuals to achieve their therapeutic goals. Our HeartSOS Waiver Services integrate a multi-disciplinary approach to therapy, focusing on physical health improvement, emotional resilience, self-confidence development, community engagement, emotional expression, cognitive stimulation, motor skill development, and stress/anxiety reduction. We are seeking passionate and dedicated Recreational Therapists to join our team.

Position Overview:

As a Recreational Therapist with HeartSOS, you will play a vital role in helping our clients achieve their health and wellness goals through therapeutic activities. You will design and implement personalized recreation programs that foster physical health, emotional well-being, and social engagement. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a dynamic environment, has a passion for the outdoors, fitness and sports, and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement individualized therapy programs tailored to each client’s physical, emotional, and cognitive needs
• Facilitate sessions using various techniques related to recreation (e.g., nature exploration, sports, and/or games and crafts) for a just-right challenge
• Assess clients’ abilities, interests, and needs to create engaging and therapeutic experiences in individual or group settings
• Monitor and document clients’ progress, adjusting activities and goals as necessary to ensure successful outcomes
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team, including behavior consultants, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers, to provide holistic care
• Educate clients and their families on the benefits of music/recreational therapy and encourage participation in community-based activities outside of sessions
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all clients during activities by following established protocols and guidelines
• Stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in recreational therapy to continually enhance program offerings
• Promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all clients

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification is required
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in recreational therapy, preferably working with individuals with disabilities or special needs
• Strong understanding of recreational therapy methods and their applications to improve client functioning and independence as related to their needs
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Passion for helping others and a commitment to improving clients’ quality of life
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of clients through innovative therapy practices