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The Arc of the South Shore, Inc.
Recreational Therapist (HBRS)
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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.
$60,375 / year median in Massachusetts
+4% projected growth
Job Description
Position Overview The Arc of the South Shore has been awarded a contract from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for a new Home-Based Residential Supports (HBRS) Pilot. The Arc is supporting five individuals who live with their families as an alternative to placement in a 24/7 group home. All individuals have significant medical and/or behavioral support needs. The HBRS program is contract-funded and contingent upon continued support from DDS. Reporting to the Family Care Coordination Manager, the Recreational Therapist provides individualized therapeutic recreation services to a young adult participating in the HBRS Pilot. Working collaboratively with the family, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and interdisciplinary team members, the Recreational Therapist develops and implements individualized recreation and leisure plans that promote engagement, self-expression, skill development, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Using person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practices, the Recreational Therapist assesses the individual's interests, abilities, and support needs to create meaningful experiences within the home environment. The role supports skill maintenance, choice-making, social connection, and participation in enriching activities while providing coaching and consultation to family caregivers and support staff. The ideal candidate is a creative, energetic, and compassionate professional who enjoys thinking outside the box to develop engaging experiences for individuals with significant support needs. They bring a positive, strengths-based approach and are passionate about helping others discover joy, purpose, and personal fulfillment through individualized recreation and leisure opportunities. Key Responsibilities Therapeutic Recreation Assessment & Planning Conduct comprehensive therapeutic recreation assessments to identify individual interests, strengths, preferences, abilities, barriers, and support needs. Develop individualized recreation and leisure plans aligned with personal goals, Individual Support Plans (ISPs), and behavioral support strategies, promoting skill development, social engagement, physical activity, and community inclusion. Monitor progress and collaborate with families and interdisciplinary team members to ensure recreation goals remain meaningful, person-centered, and responsive to changing needs. Therapeutic Recreation & Meaningful Engagement Develop and facilitate individualized therapeutic recreation activities based on each individual's interests, strengths, preferences, and abilities, supporting communication, social, cognitive, sensory, and leisure skill development. Create meaningful opportunities for engagement, self-expression, learning, sensory exploration, and enjoyment within the home and community settings for individuals with complex physical, medical, developmental, and behavioral support needs. Promote choice-making, self-determination, and social connection by introducing new experiences, hobbies, and adaptive recreational activities, including music, art, storytelling, technology, games, and other therapeutic modalities. Behavioral Support & Clinical Collaboration Collaborate with BCBAs and clinical team members to ensure recreational activities align with behavioral goals and skill acquisition objectives. Integrate positive behavioral supports and trauma-informed approaches into recreation and community participation activities to promote engagement and success. Monitor and communicate behavioral and social outcomes related to recreational participation, and assist in identifying environmental modifications and support strategies that enhance inclusion and participation. Caregiver Support & Recreation Planning Provide coaching, education, and consultation to family caregivers regarding therapeutic recreation strategies and meaningful engagement opportunities. Assist families in incorporating activities into daily routines. Develop activity schedules, adaptive recreation plans, and individualized engagement strategies that can be implemented by caregivers and support staff. Recommend adaptive equipment, assistive technology, sensory materials, and environmental modifications that support participation. Documentation, Data Collection & Compliance Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of services provided, including assessments, reports, recommendations, and service records in accordance with agency and DDS requirements. Document progress toward recreation, leisure, social, and community participation goals, ensuring records reflect individual outcomes and service delivery. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case reviews, and planning activities to support coordinated service delivery. Education & Training Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Human Services, Psychology, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Music Therapy, or a related field required. Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or OT/PT Assistant certification preferred. Minimum three years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Experience supporting individuals with complex medical, physical, and developmental disabilities is strongly preferred. Knowledge of adaptive recreation, sensory-based interventions, assistive technology, and quality-of-life programming required. Experience adapting recreational and leisure activities for individuals with limited mobility, significant physical disabilities, or medically complex conditions preferred. Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills. Ability to bring enthusiasm, positivity, and a strengths-based approach to supporting individuals and families. Skilled at identifying innovative ways to promote enjoyment, engagement, self-expression, and quality of life within the home environment. Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and support individuals from diverse backgrounds, including across protected characteristics such as race, color, ethnicity, culture, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, and genetic information, in accordance with applicable federal and Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws. Current First Aid and CPR certification required. Must have valid driver's license, satisfactory driving record, and acceptable background checks. Must have access to a reliable and insured vehicle. Must be comfortable working in family homes and throughout the local community.