CERTIFIED RECREATIONAL THERAPIST BUTNER, NC

Position Summary

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. The Recreation Therapist assists with all aspects of Recreation Therapy, a service designed to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning, to facilitate full participation in life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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.
• Participating 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

The Recreation Therapist must demonstrate competence in the following areas:

• 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.