Recreational Therapist l Behavioral Health

Gundersen Health System; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Emplify Health in Wisconsin is hiring a Recreational Therapist to support patients in Behavioral Health, working across Inpatient and EmPATH units. You’ll design individualized plans, lead engaging activities, and promote recovery through thoughtful recreation interventions.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation and CTRS certification within 6 months, plus a valid driver's license and healthcare experience. Competitive benefits and career growth await.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation required.
• CTRS certification within 6 months of hire.
• Valid Driver’s License (DL) required.
• 1 year of healthcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ recreational, social, emotional, and leisure needs to develop treatment plans.
• Plan and facilitate therapeutic recreation activities and groups for behavioral health patients.
• Use evidence-based recreation interventions to build coping skills and engagement in treatment.
• Maintain a safe, supportive environment and build therapeutic relationships with patients.
• Collaborate across inpatient and EmPATH units; outpatient support may be available.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Compassionate care

Healthcare experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation

CTRS certification within 6 months of hire

Job description

Love + medicine is who we are, it’s what we do, it’s why people want to work here.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

36

Help patients rediscover joy, purpose, and connection. As a Recreational Therapist in our Behavioral Health team, you’ll use therapeutic activities, creativity, and meaningful engagement to support patients on their journey toward healing and recovery. This unique role offers the opportunity to work across both our Inpatient Behavioral Health unit and newly opened EmPATH unit

At Emplify Health, we’re not just filling positions—we’re building careers. We invest in our teams so they can invest in the communities they serve. Discover how a little empathy changes everything.

What’s Available:

• .9 FTE, 72 hours per week
• Monday through Friday. Hours between 7:30am - 5:30pm.
• Every 4thweekend and holiday

What You’ll Do:

• Assess patients’ recreational, social, emotional, and leisure needs to develop individualized treatment plans that support recovery and overall well-being.
• Plan and facilitate therapeutic recreation activities and groups for patients with behavioral health, substance use, and co-occurring medical and psychiatric diagnoses.
• Use evidence-based recreation interventions to help patients develop coping skills, build resilience, improve social interaction, and increase engagement in treatment.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment while maintaining patient safety and promoting recovery-focused care. Build meaningful therapeutic relationships with patients through compassionate engagement and person-centered ca
• Experience working with patients with Med-Psych diagnoses (i.e. substance abuse and withdrawal, behavioral health) . You will work in both our inpatient behavioral health unit and our newly opened EmPATH unit. Opportunities to support outpatient behavioral health can be available as well.

What You’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation
• Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) within 6 months of hire date
• Valid Driver’s License (DL)
• 1 year previous experience in healthcare

What You’ll Get:

• Starting pay of $24.36/hour + more for experience!
• Comprehensive & Generous Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Life Ins, HSA/FSA) ensuring your comfort and well-being as a valuable team member
• Substantial Retirement Contribution (401k & Base Contribution)
• Work/Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need
• Support for your career growth through Professional Development Opportunities, our Tuition Reimbursement Program, and the Career Development Center
• Other benefits include a Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and AD&D, optional short-term and long-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, identity theft protection, pet insurance, Inspire & Celebrate colleague recognition and rewards program, a discount program, and more

_ Emplify Health, a partnership of Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System, is a leading not-for-profit, patient-centered healthcare network based in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. With 11 hospitals and over 100 clinics, we serve 67 cities across Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and communities. _

If you need assistance with any portion of the application or have questions about the position, please contact [e-mail] or call 608-775-0267.

We inspire your best life by relentlessly caring, learning and innovating. This is our purpose. Together with our values — belonging, respect, excellence, accountability, teamwork and humility — our pillars set our foundation and our future.

Equal Opportunity Employer