RECREATION THERAPY MANAGER

About the Organization

The BridgeWay has been connecting with communities throughout Arkansas and beyond for over 40 years. We offer a continuum of services designed to help children, adolescents, and adults experiencing behavioral, emotional, or addictive problems. Our team includes board-certified psychiatrists, licensed clinical therapists, nurses, and mental health associates dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their families, friends, and employers for productive lives. Located in the wooded hills of Central Arkansas, our quiet campus retains a cozy charm and is accredited by The Joint Commission.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Recreational Therapist Manager to lead our therapeutic recreation programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in recreational therapy, with expertise in program development, patient assessment, and behavioral health care. This leadership role requires a proactive individual committed to enhancing the quality of life for diverse populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those undergoing mental health treatment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive recreational therapy programs tailored to the needs of patients ages 6-17.
• Lead and supervise a team of recreational therapists and activity coordinators, providing mentorship, training, and performance evaluations.
• Conduct patient assessments to determine individual needs and develop personalized treatment plans utilizing modalities such as music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, yoga, swimming, equine-assisted activities, and group therapy sessions.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including nursing staff, mental health professionals, case managers, and family members to ensure holistic care delivery.
• Manage medical documentation and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations regarding patient records and confidentiality.
• Oversee intake procedures for new clients or patients requiring therapeutic recreation services and monitor progress through data collection and outcome measurement tools.
• Facilitate de-escalation techniques during behavioral crises while maintaining a safe environment for clients and staff.
• Promote program growth by developing new initiatives aligned with best practices in mental health and senior care while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.

Skills

• Extensive experience in recreational therapy modalities including music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, yoga, swimming, equine experience, and other therapeutic recreation techniques.
• Proven ability to develop innovative therapeutic programs tailored to diverse populations such as elderly patients, individuals with developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder, and those receiving hospice or elder care services.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology related to psychiatric patient care, dementia care (including Alzheimer’s), PTSD care, hospice care, and geriatrics.
• Expertise in patient assessment methods and diagnostic evaluation processes for mental health conditions.
• Excellent case management skills with experience working with individuals with disabilities or behavioral health conditions; familiarity with crisis management strategies.
• Ability to utilize de-escalation techniques effectively during behavioral incidents or emergencies.
• Competence in medical documentation practices while maintaining compliance with HIPAA standards; proficient in data collection for program evaluation purposes.
• Exceptional communication skills for client interaction—including individual and group counseling—and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working within assisted living facilities or behavioral health hospitals is highly desirable; familiarity with special education settings is a plus.

Requirements

• Licenses or Certifications: CTRS, Current Arkansas Driver’s License.
• Current Handle with Care and CPR certifications, or must obtain within 3 weeks of hire (offered onsite).
• Graduate of an accredited program with a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy or related field or equivalent experience.
• Competency in Activity Specialist duties and skills (completed onsite).