Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Senior

RiseMe; Minnesota; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Allina Health is seeking a dedicated Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to lead groups and provide assessment and goal-oriented therapy for patients with acute, chronic, and persistent mental illness and chemical dependency. This role emphasizes patient-centered care and collaboration with the health care team in Minnesota.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and 2–5 years of experience, with BLS certification and certification upon hire.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational and Leisure studies with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation.
• 2 to 5 years of experience in Therapeutic Recreation and adaptive aquatics.

Responsibilities

• Provides therapeutic recreation planning and assessment.
• Plans, reviews and revises programs based on patient needs.
• Delivers aquatic therapy instruction and adaptive swimming.
• Coordinates interdisciplinary communication and treatment planning.

Skills

Therapeutic recreation

Adaptive aquatics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreational and Leisure studies with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation

Job description

Location Address:

550 Osborne Rd NEFridley, MN 55432-2718

Date Posted:

September 25, 2026

Department:

38029941 Unity IP Mental Health MD's

Shift:

Day/Evening (United States of America)

Shift Length:

Variable shift length

Hours Per Week:

0

Union Contract:

Non-Union-NCT

Weekend Rotation:

Occasional

Job Summary:

Allina Health is a not-for-profit health system that cares for individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. If you value putting patients first, consider a career at Allina Health. Our mission is to provide exceptional care as we prevent illness, restore health and provide comfort to all who entrust us with their care. This includes you and your loved ones. We are committed to providing whole person care, investing in your well-being, and enriching your career.

Key Position Details:

Addendum

• Lead groups with both an education and activity focus (ex. Recreation, Health/Wellness Promotion, Symptom Management Skills, etc).
• Responsible for planning, implementing, documenting group and activity-based therapy for patients with acute, chronic, and persistent mental illness and chemical dependency.
• Ability to adapt and grade activities based on cognitive, behavioral, emotional needs of the patients
• Ability to adapt and change therapy plan based on patient needs
• Previous experience leading groups with patients with neurodevelopment disorders, ADHD, trauma history, autism, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
• Work closely with patient and interdisciplinary team to individualize plan of care.
• Prior history working with acute, chronic, and persistent mental illness in adults preferred.
• Training or experience in trauma informed care practices and motivational interviewing is preferred
• Demonstrated skills in the areas of organization, communication, interpersonal relations, leadership, decision making and problem solving

Additional Job Details

• Casual (0.0 FTE) position
• Day/evening shifts
• Occasional weekends
• Float PRN position going to United, Unity and Abbott Hospitals

Job Description:

Provides assessment and goal oriented treatment for rehabilitation and/or modification of specific physical, mental, emotional or social behaviors. Ensures the pool and programs are operating at a organized and efficient manner.

Principle Responsibilities

• Provides therapeutic recreation.
  • Plans, reviews and revises programs according to patient needs and professional trends in therapeutic recreation.
  • Provides proper aquatic therapy instruction and adaptive swimming instruction.
  • Maintains safety of patient and staff.
  • Cleans and organizes treatment space.
  • Keeps equipment in working order.
  • Documents patient treatment goals and progress.
  • Ensures the pool and programs are operating at a organized and efficient manner.
  • Opens and closes facility and keeps pool area secured.
• Coordinates interdisciplinary communication.
  • Collaborates in interdisciplinary treatment planning and goal setting.
  • Conveys observations and changes to the team.
  • Participates in problem solving with regard to treatment planning.
  • Provides student education and evaluation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational and Leisure studies with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation
• 2 to 5 years of experience in the field of Therapeutic Recreation and adaptive aquatics

Licenses/Certifications

• Must meet at least ONE of the requirements below:
  • Current BLS certification from the American Heart Association
  • Current BLS certification from the American Red Cross
  • Allina in-house BLS training (within 30 days of hire)
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists - National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification required upon hire

Physical Demands

• Medium Work*:
• Lifting weight up to 32 lbs. occasionally (Allina Safe Patient Moving Policy), up to 25 lbs. frequently

Pay Range

Pay Range: $29.31 to $40.17 per hourThe pay described reflects the base hiring pay range. Your starting rate would depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, your experience, education, and the union agreement (if applicable). Shift, weekend and/or other differentials may be available to increase your pay rate for certain shifts or work.

Allina Health is committed to adhering with all applicable local, state and federal minimum wage requirements.

Benefit Summary

Allina Health believes the best way to provide safe and compassionate care for our patients is by nurturing the passion of those who care for them. That’s why we devote extraordinary resources to help you grow and thrive — not only as a professional but also as a whole person. When you join our team, you have access to a wealth of valuable employee benefits that support the total well-being — mind, body, spirit and community — of you and your family members.

Allina Health is all in on your well-being. Because well-being means something different to everyone, our award-winning program provides you with the resources you need to help you navigate your personal journey. This includes well-being dollars, dedicated well-being navigators, and many programs, activities, articles, videos, personal coaching and tools to support you on your journey.

We are focused on creating an inclusive workplace so everyone can see themselves as part of our care team. Our care teams are as diverse as the communities we serve