RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

DHRM; Rockville (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern State Hospital in Virginia is seeking a Recreational Therapist to provide engaging, evidence-based therapeutic interventions and groups to patients. You will recognize each patient’s uniqueness and promote self-awareness of strengths while fostering meaningful activities aligned with recovery goals.

The role requires planning and implementing group activities, and may require CTRS certification within 12 months.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience applying behavioral intervention methods.
• Experience as a service provider in an inpatient program for mentally ill or substance abuse patients.
• Experience with psychiatric patients in a clinical setting.
• Experience in activity/group planning and implementation.
• CTRS certification or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Provide patients quality engagement opportunities through creative and evidence-based therapeutic interventions and groups.
• Recognize the uniqueness of each individual and promote self-awareness of their strengths.
• Offer meaningful interventions and help patients explore personal interests.
• Promote resiliency, autonomy and empowerment in a structured, supportive environment to meet recovery goals.

Skills

Driver's license

Behavioral interventions

Inpatient psychiatry

Group activity planning

CTRS certification

Job description

Title: RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

State Role Title: Recreational Therapists

Hiring Range: $52,711-$72,741

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Eastern State Hospital

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/esh/employment-opportunities/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Provide patients quality engagement opportunities through creative and evidenced based therapeutic interventions and groups. Seeking to recognize the uniqueness of each individual in our care and promote self-awareness of their strengths. Provide and outlet for the patients to engage in meaningful interventions while also exploring their own personal interests. Promote resiliency, autonomy and empowerment through a structured and supportive environment to meet psychosocial and physical recovery goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience in applying behavioral intervention methods.
• Experience as a service provider in an inpatient program for mentally ill, mentally challenged or substance abuse patients.
• Experience working with psychiatric patients in a clinical setting.
• Experience in activity/group planning and implementation.
• Certified Recreation Therapist Specialist (CTRS) or must be able to obtain within 12 months of employment.

Additional Considerations

None.

Contact Information

Name: EASTERN STATE HOSPITAL

Phone: [phone]/REFER TO PAGE UP FOR APPLICATION STATUS

Email: EMAIL APPLICATION MATERIAL NOT ACCEPTED

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 10 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: