Recreational Therapist

Department: Participant Care

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Ypsilanti, Mi

Reporting To: Amanda Biniecki

Description

Schedule: 40 hours minimum per week | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm | Monday - Friday
Department: Participant Care | Ypsilanti, MI

What You'll Do In This Role:
Bring purpose, connection, and joy to everyday life. As a Recreational Therapist, you’ll deliver evidence-based therapeutic recreation services that support participants’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. As a key member of the interdisciplinary team, you’ll assess individual needs, design personalized care plans, and lead meaningful interventions that inspire engagement, promote independence, and enhance quality of life for older adults living in the community. 

Key Responsibilities

 Assessment and Care Planning

• Conduct comprehensive therapeutic recreation assessments upon enrollment, semi and annually, and with significant changes in participant status.
• Identify strengths, limitations, leisure interests, cognitive and psychosocial needs.
• Develop individualized recreation therapy goals and interventions as part of the participant’s care plan.
• Monitor outcomes and modify interventions based on participant response and IDT input. 

Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) Participation 

• Actively participate in IDT meetings, care conferences, and care transitions.
• Collaborate with providers, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation staff, dietary, and home care teams.
• Provide recreation‑related clinical input for participant goals, risk mitigation, and quality‑of‑life planning. 

Therapeutic Interventions

• Plan, implement, and lead individual and group therapeutic recreation activities addressing:
  • Cognitive stimulation and memory support
  • Physical endurance, balance, and motor skills
  • Emotional expression and coping skills
  • Socialization and community integration
• Adapt activities to accommodate medical conditions, functional limitations, and sensory impairments.
• Provide interventions in the PACE center, community settings, or participant homes as indicated 

Participant Engagement & Quality of Life 

• Promote participant choice, autonomy, and culturally responsive programming
• Encourage meaningful leisure participation that aligns with participant values and life history
• Support participants experiencing social isolation, depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline

Documentation and Compliance 

• Maintain timely, accurate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Ensure compliance with CMS PACE regulations, state and federal requirements, and organizational policies.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and program evaluations. 

Program Development & Support

• Assist with planning special events, community outings, and wellness programs.
• Support volunteers or activity aides as applicable.
• Educate staff and caregivers on the therapeutic value of recreation and engagement 

The above is a summary of the position, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties this position will be required to perform. If selected for the position you will receive a full job description.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or related field
• Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through NCTRC.
• Minimum of one (1) year working with the frail and elderly.
• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles and documentation standards.
• Experience in PACE, geriatrics, rehabilitation, long‑term care, or community‑based programs desired. 

Job Benefits

• Career Growth & Development – Advance your career with tuition assistance and school scholarships up to $3,000 per semester.
• Wellness Program & Reimbursement – Prioritize your health and well-being, reimbursed 120 a year!
• Competitive Benefits for Full-Time Team Members – Enjoy Medical, Vision & Dental Insurance starting on the 1st of the month after 30 days of hire.
• Competitive Benefits for Part-Time Team Members – Enjoy Vision, Mental Health Programs, Legal Plans, Voluntary Life Insurance, and more, starting on the 1st of the month after 30 days of hire. 
• Retirement Savings Plan – Secure your future with employer contributions.
• Generous 6 weeks of Flexible time off p