Certified Recreation Therapist

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Participates 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.

Competencies

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• 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.