Director of Recreation Therapy
San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
Summary
The Director of Recreation Therapy designs and oversees evidence-based, client-centered recreational activities (such as arts, physical wellness, and social events) that improve patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Job description
Job Summary
The Director of Recreation Therapy designs and oversees evidence-based, client-centered recreational activities (such as arts, physical wellness, and social events) that improve patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Responsibilities
- Designing therapeutic activities, managing department budgets, supervising therapists and activity staff, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations
- Understands both clinical and recreational modalities to create engaging activities tailored to the diverse needs of patients
- Supervise, hire, train, and evaluate recreation therapists, activity coordinators, and volunteers
- Collaborating with medical teams, physical therapists, and social workers to align recreational programs with overall patient treatment plans
- Manage department financial operations, equipment purchasing, and resource allocation within set budget limits
- Assess the effectiveness of ongoing therapy initiatives and adjust programming based on patient feedback and clinical outcomes
- Perform other duties as per the requirements of the organization
Qualifications
- A bachelor's or master's degree in recreational therapy, therapeutic recreation, or a closely related field
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification in the State of Texas
- 2 to 5 years of clinical experience
- Supervisory or leadership background preferred
- Must possess or obtain a valid CPR certification and de-escalation training before completing new hire orientation
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Deep understanding of therapeutic recreation practices, patient assessment tools, and individualized treatment planning
- Familiarity with healthcare regulations, safety standards, and compliance documentation systems
- Knowledge of aging processes, disabilities, and mental health issues affecting diverse patient populations
- Understanding of budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation
- Proven ability to train, motivate, and direct professional and support staff
- Excellent verbal and written skills to coordinate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, families, and administrators
- Creative and practical decision-making abilities to handle emergencies and navigate complex dynamics
- Ability to deal tactfully with patients, families, visitors, and community organizations
- Ability to design, implement, and evaluate engaging recreational activities tailored to specific clinical goals
- Ability to make sound, independent decisions during clinical or operational challenges
Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree in recreational therapy, therapeutic recreation, or a closely related field
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification in the State of Texas
- 2 to 5 years of clinical experience
- Supervisory or leadership background preferred
- Must possess or obtain a valid CPR certification and de-escalation training before completing new hire orientation
- Deep understanding of therapeutic recreation practices, patient assessment tools, and individualized treatment planning
- Familiarity with healthcare regulations, safety standards, and compliance documentation systems
- Knowledge of aging processes, disabilities, and mental health issues affecting diverse patient populations
- Understanding of budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation
- Proven ability to train, motivate, and direct professional and support staff
- Excellent verbal and written skills to coordinate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, families, and administrators
- Creative and practical decision-making abilities to handle emergencies and navigate complex dynamics
- Ability to deal tactfully with patients, families, visitors, and community organizations
- Ability to design, implement, and evaluate engaging recreational activities tailored to specific clinical goals
- Ability to make sound, independent decisions during clinical or operational challenges
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Healthcare Spending Account
- Dependent Care Spending Account
- PTO with Holiday Premium Pay
- Life Insurance
- Short & Long-Term Disability
Company overview
San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is a specialized psychiatric facility providing comprehensive mental health and behavioral healthcare services in the San Antonio, Texas region. As a dedicated behavioral health hospital, it offers inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for individuals struggling with various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse issues. The facility typically provides evidence-based therapeutic interventions, medication management, crisis stabilization services, and specialized programs for different age groups and clinical needs. Operating as a healthcare provider in the mental health sector, the hospital focuses on delivering compassionate, patient-centered care through multidisciplinary teams of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and nursing staff. These facilities play a crucial role in addressing the growing need for accessible mental health services and often collaborate with community resources to support patients' long-term recovery and reintegration into their communities.