Recreation Therapist

Job Title: Recreation Therapist
Department: Clinical Services
Reports To: Clinical Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Location: Ascent Behavioral Hospital – Millcreek, UT

About Ascent Behavioral Hospital

At Ascent Behavioral Hospital, we provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and other psychiatric challenges. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to creating a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment that promotes healing, resilience, and long-term recovery. We uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect, collaboration, accountability, and patient safety.

Position Summary

The Recreation Therapist plays a critical role in the therapeutic milieu by designing and facilitating structured, goal-oriented recreational and experiential activities that support patients’ treatment goals. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Recreation Therapist uses evidence-based recreational therapy interventions to improve patients’ emotional regulation, social skills, coping strategies, self-esteem, and overall functioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and facilitate therapeutic recreational and experiential groups aligned with patients’ individualized treatment plans.
• Utilize evidence-based recreational therapy interventions to support emotional regulation, socialization, coping skills, and stress management.
• Collaborate with therapists, nursing staff, psychiatrists, and other treatment team members to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging therapeutic environment during activities.
• Adapt activities to meet the developmental, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of adolescent patients.
• Document group participation, patient engagement, and progress in the electronic medical record in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, providing input related to patient engagement, strengths, and progress.
• Support hospital initiatives related to patient safety, trauma-informed care, and quality improvement.
• Assist with special events, community-building activities, and therapeutic outings as clinically appropriate and approved.
• Model appropriate boundaries, communication, and behavior consistent with hospital policies and therapeutic standards.

Essential Functions

• Lead daily therapeutic recreation groups and structured activities as scheduled.
• Assess patient participation and therapeutic response to recreational interventions.
• Communicate observations and concerns to the treatment team in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain inventory, cleanliness, and safe use of recreational equipment and supplies.
• Follow all hospital safety protocols, including supervision requirements and crisis response procedures.
• Participate in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care practices as trained.
• Maintain compliance with state regulations, hospital policies, and Joint Commission standards.

Competencies

• Patient Focus: Demonstrates empathy, builds rapport, and supports patient-centered care.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with patients, families, and team members.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively within an interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Adaptability: Adjusts activities and interventions based on patient needs and unit acuity.
• Engagement: Creates motivating and meaningful therapeutic experiences.
• Safety Awareness: Maintains constant awareness of patient safety and risk factors.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates reliability, appropriate boundaries, and ethical behavior.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field
• Ability to facilitate group activities with adolescents in a behavioral health setting
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage challenging behaviors with professionalism and calm demeanor
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Must pass a federal background check
  

Preferred:

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
• Previous experience in a psychiatric hospital, residential treatment center, or behavioral health setting
• Experience working with adolescents
• Training in trauma-informed care, CPI, or de-escalation techniques

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and engage in physical activity for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs as needed
• Work involves potential exposure to patients in emotional or behavioral crisis situations
• Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities as required

• Health, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, and other insurance plans available after probationary period

• Employer contributions to Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Continued professional development and certification opportunities
• Significant discounts for hundreds of professional gear brands
• Close to many world-class ski resorts