Receration Therapist

Recreation Therapist

Department: Therapeutic Recreation
Reports To: Director of Therapeutic Recreation
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Recreation Therapist is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and psychosocial well-being of residents in a long-term care facility. This position develops individualized and group interventions designed to enhance quality of life, maintain functional abilities, foster independence, and support resident-centered care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Assessment & Care Planning

· Conduct comprehensive therapeutic recreation assessments upon admission and as required by facility policy.

· Identify residents' interests, strengths, abilities, limitations, and psychosocial needs.

· Develop individualized therapeutic recreation goals and interventions as part of the interdisciplinary care plan.

· Participate in resident care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings.

· Update assessments and care plans based on resident progress, changes in condition, or regulatory requirements.

Program Development & Implementation

· Design and facilitate therapeutic recreation programs that support residents' physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being.

· Provide individual and group interventions tailored to resident needs and abilities.

· Implement specialized programming for residents with dementia, behavioral health diagnoses, and rehabilitation goals.

· Coordinate leisure education, adaptive recreation, sensory stimulation, and wellness activities.

· Encourage resident participation and engagement while respecting individual preferences and choices.

Resident Engagement & Quality of Life

· Promote meaningful opportunities for socialization, self-expression, community involvement, and personal fulfillment.

· Assist residents in maintaining independence and maximizing functional abilities through therapeutic recreation interventions.

· Advocate for resident rights, dignity, and individualized choices in programming.

· Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and resident-centered environment.

Documentation & Compliance

· Maintain accurate and timely documentation of assessments, care plans, participation records, progress notes, and outcomes.

· Ensure compliance with federal, state, and facility regulations related to therapeutic recreation services.

· Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.

· Assist with survey preparation and regulatory inspections.

Collaboration & Leadership

· Collaborate with nursing, rehabilitation, social services, dietary, and other departments to support holistic resident care.

· Provide education and support to staff regarding therapeutic recreation interventions and resident engagement strategies.

· Assist in training activity staff, volunteers, and interns as appropriate.

· Support special events, family programs, community partnerships, and facility-wide initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

· Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Recreational Therapy, or a related field required.

· Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred.

Experience

· Minimum of one year of experience in therapeutic recreation, healthcare, rehabilitation, senior living, or long-term care preferred.

· Experience working with geriatric populations, dementia care, and skilled nursing residents preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies.

· Understanding of aging, dementia, behavioral health, and rehabilitation services.

· Strong interpersonal, communication, and motivational skills.

· Ability to adapt programs to varying physical and cognitive abilities.

· Excellent organizational and documentation skills.

· Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility.

· Ability to assist with activity setup and transportation of supplies and equipment.

· Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.

· Ability to participate actively in recreation and therapeutic programming.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

· Resident participation and engagement rates.

· Resident satisfaction and quality-of-life outcomes.

· Completion and accuracy of assessments and care plans.

· Compliance with regulatory standards.

· Successful implementation of individualized therapeutic interventions.

· Positive survey and quality assurance outcomes.

Core Competencies

· Resident-Centered Care

· Therapeutic Recreation Planning

· Assessment & Documentation

· Dementia Care Programming

· Interdisciplinary Collaboration

· Communication & Relationship Building

· Creativity & Program Development

· Quality Improvement

· Regulatory Compliance

Working Conditions

· Work is performed in resident care areas, activity spaces, outdoor environments, and community settings.

· May require occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays to support resident programming and special events.

Mission: To enhance each resident's quality of life by providing meaningful therapeutic recreation opportunities that promote wellness, independence, dignity, engagement, and overall well-being within a compassionate long-term care environment.