# Recreation Therapist - Weekend

**Company:** [Ascent Behavioral Hospital](null/companies/g1sCgDdSynVsrrF94E5NeT.md)
**Location:** Millcreek, United States
**Workplace:** on site
**Employment type:** Full-time
**Department:** Clinical

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## Description

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