Since our opening in 1987, New Hope Treatment Centers has been a welcoming place for young people in moments of crisis. Our programs have played a role in countless success stories, thanks to our relational approach to behavioral healthcare. The Recreation Therapist assists with all aspects of Recreation Therapy, a service designed to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning, to facilitate full participation in life.
The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
-
Organizes, implements, and oversees Recreational Therapy activities in alignment with individualized treatment plans.
-
Ensures accurate and timely communication of resident progress to all appropriate members of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
-
Maintains responsibility for resident safety and supervision during all recreational and therapeutic activities.
-
Attends Treatment Team meetings, planning sessions, and critical reviews as assigned to support effective communication among residential, clinical, and administrative staff regarding recreation services.
-
Plans, coordinates, and facilitates special events and therapeutic programming.
-
Develops and posts a monthly calendar outlining scheduled recreational activities and programming.
-
Develops and implements individualized treatment plans, including measurable goals and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
-
Completes timely and accurate clinical documentation of resident behavior, interventions provided, and treatment effectiveness in accordance with organizational standards and required timeframes.
-
Maintains professional boundaries and adheres to all confidentiality requirements, including compliance with HIPAA regulations.
-
Participating in Treatment Team functions as an active interdisciplinary team member.
-
Maintains flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
-
Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the nature and scope of the position.
The Recreation Therapist must demonstrate competence in the following areas:
-
Therapeutic Programming: Ability to develop and facilitate structured recreational activities that support emotional, behavioral, and social development.
- Behavior Management: Knowledge of behavior management techniques and ability to support youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.
-
Trauma-Informed Care: Applies trauma-informed approaches when engaging youth in therapeutic recreation activities.
-
Group Facilitation: Skilled in leading therapeutic groups that promote teamwork, coping skills, and positive peer interaction.
-
Crisis Intervention: Ability to safely respond to behavioral crises using de-escalation techniques and approved intervention methods.
-
Communication & Collaboration: Works effectively with clinicians, residential staff, and leadership as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
-
Documentation & Compliance: Maintains accurate activity notes and documentation in accordance with program policies and regulatory standards.
-
Safety Awareness: Ensures a safe environment during recreational activities and follows all safety protocols.
-
Bachelor’s degree (ideally in Recreation) with CTRS Certification and a minimum of one year experience in Rec Therapy
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record, if transportation or community coordination is required.
-
Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and any state-mandated employment clearances.
-
Experience working with children, adolescents, or individuals in behavioral health, residential treatment, or human services settings.
-
Familiarity with North Carolina behavioral health regulations and service systems.
-
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
-
Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain organized records.
-
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
-
Professional judgment, discretion, and ethical conduct.
-
Proficiency with electronic health records and standard office technology.
-
Work is performed in an environment that may involve exposure to emotionally distressed individuals.
-
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use standard office equipment.
-
Ability to respond to crisis situations, which may require quick movement.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential.
#NHTCBTN
