Recreational Therapist - PRN

Trinity Health; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Part time

Job summary

Trinity Health Hospital Grand Rapids is seeking a part-time Recreational Therapist to join the Psychiatry Acute Adult team. You will assess patients, plan individualized treatment programs, and lead therapeutic recreation and psychoeducational activities as part of an interdisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and collaboration with physicians, nursing staff, and social workers to support recovery and improved patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy required.
• CTRS credential in good standing required/preferred.
• Minimum six months of relevant psychiatric/medical experience.
• Knowledge of recreational therapy principles and interventions.
• Ability to assess needs and develop treatment interventions.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient needs, strengths, and treatment goals with the team.
• Develop and reassess individualized treatment plans with the team.
• Provide therapeutic recreation and group therapy activities.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers for patient care.
• Maintain documentation and ensure safety and quality care.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Group facilitation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Documentation

Safety awareness

Patient-centered care

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Recreational Therapy

CTRS certification

Job description

Employment Type: Part time Shift: Day Shift Description: Recreational Therapist

Location: Trinity Health Hospital Grand Rapids
Department: Psychiatry Acute Adult

Position Summary

As a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, the Recreational Therapist utilizes clinical skills associated with recreational therapy, expressive arts therapies, occupational therapies, and psychoeducational interventions to plan, organize, and implement a program of ancillary services. This position assesses patients' capabilities, needs, interests, and goals and develops individualized treatment programs that support recovery and align with interdisciplinary treatment goals.

The Recreational Therapist plays a key role in fostering a therapeutic environment through assessment, treatment planning, group facilitation, and collaboration with clinical team members to improve patient outcomes.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Assess patient care needs, interests, capabilities, strengths, and treatment goals.
• Develop, implement, and continually reassess individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Monitor patient progress and modify interventions based on patient needs and treatment objectives.
• Provide therapeutic interventions that promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being.

Therapeutic Programming

• Plan and facilitate milieu programming, including therapeutic recreation, psychoeducational, skill-building, and therapy groups.
• Organize and implement structured therapeutic activities designed to enhance patient functioning and recovery.
• Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with assigned patients.
• Encourage patient participation and engagement in treatment and recovery-oriented activities.

Interdisciplinary Team Participation

• Function as an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Provide input into the development and implementation of patient treatment plans.
• Participate in rounds, treatment planning meetings, and multidisciplinary discussions as appropriate.
• Collaborate effectively with physicians, nursing staff, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Patient Safety & Quality of Care

• Monitor and report any potential risks to patient safety that could lead to adverse outcomes.
• Support a safe, structured, and therapeutic treatment environment.
• Adhere to established clinical, safety, and quality standards.
• Utilize processes that conserve resources and demonstrate good stewardship of organizational assets.

Professionalism & Organizational Standards

• Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships with patients, families, physicians, colleagues, and visitors.
• Approaches conflict in a constructive manner and participates in identifying and resolving problems.
• Maintains confidentiality of information pertaining to patients, physicians, colleagues, and visitors, discussing information only with appropriate personnel in appropriate settings.
• Behaves in accordance with the Trinity Health Mission, Vision, Values, Code of Conduct, Service Excellence Standards, and organizational policies.
• Assumes responsibility for performing job duties safely and reports hazards, unsafe conditions, and incidents promptly to management.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreational Therapy

Licensure/Certification

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential in good standing

Experience

• Minimum of six (6) months of relevant psychiatric, medical, or clinical experience.
• On-the-job training or formal education in the application of therapeutic recreation, therapy, and counseling principles and practices for patients with psychiatric and/or medical conditions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of recreational therapy principles, therapeutic interventions, and behavioral health treatment practices.
• Ability to assess patient needs and develop appropriate treatment interventions.
• Strong group facilitation and therapeutic communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with patients and interdisciplinary team members.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Commitment to patient-centered care, safety, and service excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an inpatient behavioral health or psychiatric setting.
• Experience facilitating therapeutic groups for diverse patient populations.

Join our team and make a meaningful impact by helping patients achieve improved functioning, recovery, and quality of life through therapeutic recreation services.

Hours of work: 9am-7:30pm

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.