Recreational Therapist - CTRS

Beacon Behavioral Hospital; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Behavioral Hospital in New Orleans seeks a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) to assess patients and develop individualized treatment plans that enhance physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, document progress, and help with community reintegration while upholding confidentiality and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• CTRS credential from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field.
• Valid state licensure or certification as required by the state of employment.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing therapeutic recreational programs.
• Strong understanding of patient confidentiality and healthcare regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' recreational needs, interests, and abilities to develop individualized treatment plans.
• Implement therapeutic recreational activities designed to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning.
• Document patient progress and modify treatment plans based on ongoing evaluations and interdisciplinary team input.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, families, and community resources to support patient goals and facilitate community reintegration.
• Educate patients and their families about the benefits of recreational therapy and encourage active participation in treatment.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Documentation

EHR proficiency

Community resources networking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy

Master’s degree in Recreational Therapy

Tools

EHR software

Documentation software

Job description

At Beacon, we believe that our success is measured by the extent at which we help others. Beacon’s multidisciplinary team integrates a holistic approach to treating clients. Our programs incorporate every facet of assistance with those stressors that may be contributing to our clients decline. These include: managing their behavioral disturbances and psychiatric disorders, investigating and securing available community resources for their primary needs (housing, food, clothing), and navigating the complexities of medication compliance. We gather all necessary resources to develop and implement a livable discharge plan that maximizes a client’s potential to improve their lives in the community.

About The Role

The Recreational Therapist - CTRS plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals through therapeutic recreational activities tailored to their unique needs. This position involves assessing patients' physical, emotional, and social abilities to develop personalized treatment plans that promote wellness, independence, and community integration. The therapist collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care and monitors patient progress to adjust interventions accordingly. By utilizing evidence-based recreational therapy techniques, the therapist helps patients improve cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning. Ultimately, this role contributes significantly to patients' overall rehabilitation and long-term well‑being within diverse healthcare settings across the United States.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field.
• Valid state licensure or certification as required by the state of employment.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing therapeutic recreational programs.
• Strong understanding of patient confidentiality and healthcare regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Recreational Therapy or related healthcare discipline.
• Experience working in diverse clinical settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or long-term care facilities.
• Additional certifications in specialized therapeutic modalities or patient populations.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and documentation software.
• Strong background in community resource networking and patient advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' recreational needs, interests, and abilities to develop individualized treatment plans.
• Implement therapeutic recreational activities designed to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning.
• Document patient progress and modify treatment plans based on ongoing evaluations and interdisciplinary team input.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, families, and community resources to support patient goals and facilitate community reintegration.
• Educate patients and their families about the benefits of recreational therapy and encourage active participation in treatment.

Skills

The required skills enable the therapist to effectively assess patient needs and design targeted recreational interventions that foster recovery and well‑being. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive care delivery. Organizational skills support accurate documentation and efficient management of treatment plans and schedules. Preferred skills such as proficiency with electronic health records enhance the therapist’s ability to maintain detailed patient records and track progress seamlessly. Additionally, expertise in community resource networking allows the therapist to connect patients with supportive services that extend beyond clinical settings, promoting sustained rehabilitation outcomes.

Beacon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.