Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - Youth Wellness

Nunez Community College; Columbia (LA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of Juvenile Justice – Columbia Center for Youth in Columbia, Louisiana, seeks a Creative and compassionate Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 3-B to plan, coordinate, and implement structured recreational and therapeutic activities for youth in secure care.

The role focuses on emotional wellness, social development, and rehab through engagement, helping youths build coping skills, self-esteem, and positive peer relationships.

Qualifications

• Four years as a teacher, instructor, or counselor in a recreational program plus two years in recreation therapy.
• Bachelor’s degree in a rehabilitation, recreation, therapy, physical education, or psychology field plus two years in recreation therapy.
• CTRS certification plus two years in recreation therapy.
• Advanced degree in rehabilitation, recreation, or therapy field plus one year in recreation therapy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate all therapeutic recreation services to ensure ACA standards, agency policies, and Civil Service rules compliance.
• Develop, manage, and implement a comprehensive therapeutic recreation curriculum including structured recreation, health education, and creative arts.
• Support facility culture reform by modeling professionalism, ethical behavior, and positive engagement with staff and youth.
• Lead youth in exercise, sports, relaxation techniques, and group activities; organize special events and outings.
• Implement therapeutic milieu components such as problem-solving activities, circle-ups, meditation, incentives, and daily recreation schedules.
• Work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency response during weather or facility incidents.
• Participate in youth treatment planning and support canteen operations with accuracy and accountability.
• Follow chain-of-command for reporting incidents; document youth and staff incidents promptly and thoroughly.
• Prepare and submit requisitions for supplies; maintain accurate written and verbal reporting.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Facility Director.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation, recreation, therapy, or related field

Advanced degree in rehabilitation, recreation, or therapy

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

Experience in recreation therapy (2+ years)

Job description

Office of Juvenile Justice – Columbia Center for Youth in Columbia, Louisiana, seeks a Creative and compassionate Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 3-B to plan, coordinate, and implement structured recreational and therapeutic activities for youth in secure care.

The role focuses on emotional wellness, social development, and rehab through engagement, helping youths build coping skills, self-esteem, and positive peer relationships.