Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Recreational Therapist - CTRS
Career Insights for Recreational Therapist
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Louisiana data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Recreational Therapist directs and coordinates recreational activities for people with disabilities or illness to help them improve their emotional and physical well-being, improve motor skills and increase confidence. Leads activities involving movement, sports, games, and other activities for brain stimulation. Assists patients with disabilities to learn to use public resources such as parks and public transportation, and integrate in the community. Works with people of all ages, in schools, nursing homes, clinics and other healthcare facilities, or in parks and recreation departments.
$53,689 / year median in Louisiana
+2% projected growth
Job Description
Role:
The Recreational Therapist - CTRS plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals through therapeutic recreational activities tailored to their unique needs. This position involves assessing patients' physical, emotional, and social abilities to develop personalized treatment plans that promote wellness, independence, and social integration. The therapist collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care and monitors patient progress to adjust interventions accordingly. By utilizing evidence-based recreational therapy techniques, the therapist helps patients improve cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning. Ultimately, this role contributes significantly to patients' overall rehabilitation and long-term well-being within diverse healthcare or community settings.Our Bunkie Inpatient Facility is seeking PRN Weekday and potential weekend opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).Bachelors degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field from an accredited institution.Valid state licensure or certification as required by the state of employment.
Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing therapeutic recreational programs in clinical or community settings.
Strong knowledge of human development, anatomy, and therapeutic recreation techniques.
Preferred Qualifications:
Masters degree in Recreational Therapy or related healthcare field.Experience working with diverse populations, including pediatric, geriatric, or psychiatric patients.
Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) and documentation software.
Additional certifications in specialized therapeutic modalities or adaptive recreation.
Experience in program development, research, or leadership roles within recreational therapy.
Responsibilities:
Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' recreational needs, abilities, and interests to develop individualized treatment plans.Plan, organize, and implement therapeutic recreational activities that support patients' physical, emotional, and social rehabilitation goals.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and social workers, to integrate recreational therapy into overall patient care.
Document patient progress and modify treatment plans based on ongoing evaluations and patient feedback.
Educate patients and their families about the benefits of recreational therapy and encourage active participation in therapeutic activities.
Maintain compliance with professional standards, ethical guidelines, and regulatory requirements related to recreational therapy.
Participate in continuing education and professional development to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in recreational therapy.
Skills:
The successful candidate will apply their expertise in therapeutic recreation to design and implement individualized treatment plans that address patients' unique needs. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and engaging patients and families effectively. Critical thinking and observational skills enable the therapist to assess patient progress and adapt interventions to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Organizational skills are used daily to manage multiple patients, document treatment sessions accurately, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, proficiency with technology, including electronic health records, supports efficient documentation and enhances coordination of care.Benefits
- Professional Development
- Dental Insurance