Recreation Therapist

Company:

Thompson Health Location:

Canandaigua, NY Career Level:

Mid-Senior Level Industries:

Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Biotech Description Schedule:

Full Time, days - 8:30am - 5pm (flexible) rotating weekends, and evening shifts

Main Function:

The Recreation Therapist plays a key role in enhancing quality of life for residents by planning, coordinating, and delivering engaging therapeutic recreation and activity programs within a skilled nursing environment and Alzheimer's Memory Unit. This position focuses on supporting residents' physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well‑being through meaningful, person‑centered experiences aligned with individualized care plans, facility policies, and state and federal regulations. The Recreation Therapist also collaborates with the Recreation Therapy Manager and Director of Volunteers to supervise volunteers and residents, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and compliant activity program.

Job Specific Competencies:

Demonstrates strong coordination, leadership, and communication skills to effectively manage activities and share information with appropriate audiences. Develops individualized care plans with clearly defined, measurable goals. Completes initial and ongoing recreation and activity assessments for all residents. Plans and facilitates engaging large and small group activities according to the monthly activity calendar. Safely transports residents to and from all activity programs. Participates as an active member of interdisciplinary care plan meetings. Exhibits confidence and enthusiasm when leading group activities. Works independently while remaining flexible and responsive to changing priorities. Effectively prioritizes responsibilities to maximize resident engagement and benefit. Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information related to residents, staff, and the health system. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Availability to work rotating weekends and evening shifts.

Required:

Energetic, creative, and motivated individuals who demonstrate leadership in a fast‑paced healthcare environment. Strong verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

Experience working with the geriatric population, including dementia care. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) with recreation experience, or equivalent credentials preferred. Valid NYS driver's license and willingness to drive the resident transport bus.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related human services field preferred. CNA experience considered a valuable asset. Recent education or training in regulatory compliance and current industry best practices preferred; equivalent education will be considered. Two to three years of experience working with seniors, with dementia care experience preferred. Demonstrated proficiency with computers and electronic systems.

Pay Range:

$21.00 - $29.00

Starting Pay:

Based on experience Thompson Health is an EOE encouraging individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply