Intern

By the end of the internship, the intern will have opportunities to:

• Demonstrate professional communication and collaboration with an interdisciplinary care team.
• Participate in the therapeutic recreation process: assessment, planning, implementation, documentation, and evaluation of interventions.
• Practice resident-centered programming that supports well-being and quality of life across levels of care.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Resident/Patient Engagement & Program Support

• Assist with planning and leading group and 1:1 therapeutic recreation programs for:
• Independent Living (socialization, wellness, meaningful engagement)
• Assisted Living (socialization, wellness, leisure exploration)
• Skilled Nursing (meaningful engagement, cognitive and psychosocial support, dementia-appropriate programming)
• Acute Rehab (goal-oriented engagement that complements therapy plans, supports coping, motivation, and reintegration)
• Support adaptations to activities to meet varying cognitive, physical, sensory, or emotional needs.
• Encourage participation while honoring resident choice, rights, culture, and preferences.
• Help with calendars, supplies, room set-up/clean-up, and safe transport of residents as appropriate.
• Support special events, community engagement activities, and family/resident education opportunities when scheduled.

2) Safety, Compliance & Professional Conduct

• Follow all facility policies related to resident rights, privacy/confidentiality, infection prevention, and safety procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to ethical and respectful interactions with residents, families, and staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current enrollment in an accredited college/university program.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, empathy, and comfort working with older adults, including those with dementia and complex medical needs.
• Ability to follow direction, accept feedback, and work collaboratively on a team.
• Basic computer skills (email, documentation, simple spreadsheets) and willingness to learn facility systems.
• Must meet facility onboarding requirements (e.g., background check, health screening, immunizations/testing) per policy.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain if required by the site).
• Experience/volunteering in healthcare, senior living, camps, adaptive recreation, or community programs.
• Interest in evidence-informed programming, wellness, and inclusive/adaptive recreation.

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT DEMANDS

• Frequent standing/walking; bending, reaching, and light lifting (activity supplies).
• Ability to assist with wheelchair mobility/escort per facility training and policy.
• Work occurs in resident rooms, activity spaces, common areas, and occasional outdoor/community settings.

SUPERVISION, FEEDBACK & EVALUATION

• The intern is supervised by a CTRS or designated Therapeutic Recreation professional.
• Learning is supported through observation, guided practice, and feedback.
• Performance will be evaluated using internship learning objectives and department expectations.

SCHEDULE

• Summer term: May 2026-August 2026
• Typical hours: 32 hours/week including some evenings/weekends for events as needed.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit:

• Resume
• Brief cover letter describing interest in therapeutic recreation in long-term care.
• Optional: 1–2 references (faculty or prior supervisor)