Recreational Therapist

Location: Burnet Campus, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229. Full-time, 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE), day shift (8:00 am to 4:30 pm with some days 10:00 am to 6:30 pm). Benefits eligible with 30 days of paid time off accrued per year; unused PTO rolls over.

About the Role

This Recreational Therapist will collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to provide therapeutic recreation interventions that support overall treatment goals for patients. The role focuses on improving or restoring social, cognitive, physical, emotional, and leisure functioning through evidence-based interventions.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to assess patient needs and develop individualized therapeutic recreation interventions.
• Facilitate therapeutic recreation activities designed to improve or restore social, cognitive, physical, emotional, and leisure functioning.
• Utilize evidence-based therapeutic leisure interventions to promote self-expression, self-esteem, independence, and healthy coping skills.
• Provide person-centered care, engaging patients with varying levels of cognitive, physical, emotional, and social functioning.
• Lead and facilitate both individual and group therapeutic recreation sessions in a safe, therapeutic, and engaging environment.
• Assess patient progress, document interventions and outcomes, and modify treatment plans as appropriate.
• Encourage community engagement and social participation through structured outings and community reintegration experiences when clinically appropriate.
• Educate patients and families regarding the benefits of therapeutic recreation and the role of leisure.
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, professional standards of practice, and CTRS certification requirements.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, treatment planning conferences, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate strong communication, organizational, and clinical skills while promoting a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive clinical documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Certified through the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation (CTRS).
• Valid Driver's License.

Pay

Starting pay range: $53,705.60 - $67,142.40 annually (salaried/exempt). Pay is based on experience, skills, and equity; exceptions may apply for highly qualified candidates. Additional pay (e.g., shift, on-call, or weekend differentials) may apply.

About Child Life & Integrative Care

The Division of Child Life and Integrative Care at Cincinnati Children’s is committed to the practice of family-centered care by promoting play, education, developmental, and psychosocial support. The team supports patients during outpatient visits and inpatient stays, minimizing stress and maximizing coping for patients and families.

About Us

Cincinnati Children’s is dedicated to improving children’s health through a holistic team approach in patient care and advancing science and discovery. Recognized as a top 10 best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report for over 15 years, the organization is also among the top 3 for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. Cincinnati Children’s is noted as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025), a leading disability employer, and a Magnet®-designated institution for nursing excellence.