Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers (DTAC); Lewisburg (Union County); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Referral Program

Job summary

Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers (DTAC) is seeking a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to support two adolescent residential programs in PA. The role uses recreation as a therapeutic tool to build coping skills, social functioning, and emotional regulation in male youths aged 8-18.

You will plan and implement structured activities, work with an interdisciplinary team, and document progress while adhering to HIPAA and trauma-informed care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or related Human Services field.
• Active CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) credential.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in therapeutic recreation, behavioral health, residential treatment, or related setting.
• Strong documentation, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to pass required background clearances.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all clients.
• Conduct functional baseline assessments to identify client strengths and needs.
• Develop and implement individualized and group recreation treatment plans.
• Plan and facilitate on-site and off-site recreational activities.
• Co-facilitate psychoeducational and skills-based groups.
• Support adherence to clinical models, including DBT-A.
• Model appropriate coping skills, communication, and emotional regulation.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including progress notes and incident reports.
• Collaborate with therapists, leadership, and treatment team members.
• Transport clients to appointments when required.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ensure HIPAA compliance.
• Participate in scheduled shift coverage, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

CTRS credential

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Behavioral health background

Education

Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related Human Services

Job description

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - Adolescents Residential Treatment Facility

Location: Split Site Position - Danville, PA and Lewisburg, PA

Shift: Tuesday and Saturday at Danville Residential; Wednesday and Friday at Lewisburg Residential; Thursday assigned to either location based on program needs.

Hours: 11am -7pm

Job Type: Full-Time

Pay: $21.00 – $25.00 per hour

Overview

Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers (DTAC) is seeking a dedicated and clinically driven Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to support our residential treatment program for male adolescents ages 8-18.

This role offers the opportunity to use recreation as a therapeutic intervention, helping youth build healthy coping skills, improve social functioning, and achieve long-term success in a structured, trauma-informed environment.

Why Join DTAC

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adolescent males
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary treatment environment
• Use recreation as a clinical tool to support healing and growth
• Join a well-established organization committed to quality care and outcomes

Position Summary

The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist works as part of the interdisciplinary treatment team to develop and implement structured, trauma-informed recreational programming. This role is essential in promoting emotional regulation, social skills development, and positive behavioral change.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all clients
• Conduct functional baseline assessments to identify client strengths and needs
• Develop and implement individualized and group recreation treatment plans
• Plan and facilitate on-site and off-site recreational activities
• Co-facilitate psychoeducational and skills-based groups
• Support adherence to clinical models, including DBT-A
• Model appropriate coping skills, communication, and emotional regulation
• Maintain accurate documentation, including progress notes and incident reports
• Collaborate with therapists, leadership, and treatment team members
• Transport clients to appointments when required
• Maintain professional boundaries and ensure HIPAA compliance
• Participate in scheduled shift coverage, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or a related Human Services field
• Active CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) credential
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in therapeutic recreation, behavioral health, residential treatment, or a related setting
• Strong documentation, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to pass required background clearances

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience working in residential treatment settings
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles
• Familiarity with clinical models such as DBT-A
• Experience facilitating therapeutic and psychoeducational groups

Requirements

• Commitment to maintaining sight-line supervision standards
• Completion of required documentation with high accuracy
• Compliance with all training and regulatory requirements
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Program

Work Location

This is an in-person position supporting two residential treatment facilities located in Danville, PA and Lewisburg, PA. Candidates must be able to reliably travel between both locations according to the assigned schedule.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable laws.