RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is seeking a Recreational Therapist to join Eastern State Hospital. The role focuses on providing engaging, evidence-based therapeutic activities for patients, recognizing individuality, and promoting personal strengths.

You will design and lead patient groups, tailor interventions to needs, and support recovery goals within a structured environment that fosters resiliency and empowerment.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 an 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.

Skills

Driver’s license

Experience with behavioral interv.

inpatient program experience

Psychiatric clinical experience

Activity/group planning

CTRS certification possibility

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.