Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

University of Missouri Health Care; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 26,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

MU Health Care is seeking a compassionate Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at the Missouri Psychiatric Center to engage patients through meaningful recreation and therapeutic activities.

You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to assess needs, develop personalized goals, implement treatment plans, and document progress. This role focuses on improving quality of life, independence, and community reintegration through engaging programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Recreational Therapy or equivalent.
• CTRS certification or eligibility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patient therapeutic recreational needs and set goals.
• Work with an interdisciplinary team to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Document patient progress and report during rounds and conferences.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise therapeutic recreation programs including leisure, social, and fitness activities.
• Provide staff education and in-service programs as needed.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy

CTRS certification (NCTRC)

Job description

Shift

Sunday 8am – 4:30pm. Monday – Thursday 9:30am – 6pm. Some Holiday rotation required.

Department

Missouri Psychiatric Center

Compensation

• Base Pay Range: $19.15 - $30.23/hour, based on experience
• Shift Differentials: Additional $1.00 per hour for weekend shift

ABOUT THE JOB

MU Health Care is looking for a compassionate, creative, and highly motivated Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who is passionate about helping patients achieve meaningful progress through engagement, connection, and therapeutic recreation. The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment and brings energy, empathy, and innovation to every patient interaction. We value professionals who can build trust, inspire participation, and adapt activities to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. Successful candidates will combine strong interpersonal skills with a genuine commitment to improving quality of life, promoting independence, and supporting successful community reintegration. If you are a patient-centered advocate who enjoys developing meaningful relationships, encouraging personal growth, and making a lasting impact on the healing journey, we invite you to join our team. At MU Health Care, you'll have the opportunity to use your talents to enrich lives while contributing to a culture of excellence, compassion, and collaborative care.

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE

MU Health Care is proud to be named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Employers seven years in a row, and that’s largely a result of the incredible culture and team we’ve built. At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. Here, we believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger — to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.

Our academic health system — the only in mid-Missouri — is home to seven hospitals, including the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and region’s only Children’s Hospital, as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions — with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Learn more about MU Health Care.

Learn more about living in mid-Missouri.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more
• See a comprehensive list of benefits here.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

Evaluate patient therapeutic recreational needs, develop individual goals and objectives, and follow up on patient progress. Assess through observation patient group and social skills, use of communication, and problems, which would hinder re-integration.

Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team (such as physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers) to develop and implement patient treatment plans. Work with other departments to coordinate services.

Document patient progress towards goals and objectives and report progress in team rounds and conferences.

Plan, conduct, coordinate, and supervise a variety of therapeutic recreation programs, including programming in leisure skills, social skills, diversional activities, and fitness.

Provide educational and/or in-service training/programs as necessary to staff, volunteers, allied health professionals, community and patient families.

May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities can be acquired.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification, or certification eligible, by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and may require ambulating, remaining in a stationary position and positioning self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 lbs and occasionally move objects up to 25 lbs.

This role may also routinely come into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.