Recreation Therapy Specialist

*Now offering $2,000 in relocation assistance*

*New Salary Increases*

Company Overview

Youth Villages is a national leader in the implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30++ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services. 

If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization.

Program Overview

Youth Villages’ Residential Treatment programs serve children with emotional and behavioral problems.  Our residential campuses provide the setting for an intensive treatment program that combines the unique balance of structure and freedom. This enables children and their families to identify, understand and cope with their individual needs and develop the skills necessary to succeed in less restrictive settings.  We have three different types of facilities—Intensive Residential Centers, Open Campuses, and Group Homes. 

Position Overview

Are you looking for a change of pace? Do you enjoy working with children in a non-traditional setting? The Recreation Therapy position may be just what you are looking for. Our Recreation Therapists work with young people in a Residential setting to develop their abilities to interact with others in a team and increase their self-esteem. An ideal Recreation Therapist is creative, enthusiastic and can come up with new and innovative games and activities to keep the resident's engaged, all while building confidence in their abilities and promoting their teamwork skills. Recreation Therapist Specialists facilitate groups with the youth on a daily basis and coordinate additional activities for the campus.

Position Details

• Coordinates activities of recreation service personnel in a staff secured residential treatment facility for youth by performing the following duties. Other duties may be assigned.
• Manages student council and volunteer activities for youth involved.
• Oversees the use of canoeing and high ropes courses equipment and resident participation on applicable campus'.
• Develops and promotes recreation program, including music, dance, arts and crafts, cultural arts, nature study, swimming, social recreation and games, or camping. Promotes life skills training through therapeutic activities
• Adapts recreation programs to meet needs residents of agency.
• Promotes and coordinates participation in clubs and organizations as may be helpful to the development of individual children.
• Works in team with administrative or other professional personnel such as those engaged in medicine, social work, nursing, psychology, and therapy, to ensure that recreation is well balanced, coordinated, and integrated with special services.
• Ensures that relevant information is conveyed to treatment team members.
• Ensures that required notes and documentation are completed in a timely manner
• Maintains recreation equipment and consults with appropriate staff for replacement of depleted equipment.
• Oversees initial recreational assessment upon intake (within 14 days)
• Introduces and trains new program activities, equipment, and materials to staff.

Additional Information

The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking and standing and physical agility. May be required to run and climb flights of stairs. Must be able to participate in physical interventions with youth when necessary. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Will be required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR training.
Applicants are required to pass an agility and strength evaluation.
Applicants must have valid driver’s license.

Recreation Therapy Specialists work a flexible schedule and some weekends may be required.

Annual Salary

Salary 50,000-57,000 / year based on education and certification 

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy is required
CTRS certified is preferred, must be eligible 
Experience working with at-risk youth a major plus
Experience working with youth is required
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
401(k)
2 weeks paid vacation
12 paid sick days per year
11 paid holidays

Paid Parental Leave
Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)

Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision

Growth & development through continuous training

Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.