The posting
Job Title: Recreation Therapist -- Weekend Department: Clinical Services Reports To: Clinical Director FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Job Type: 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.
Requirements
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
Benefits
- 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
