Expressive Therapist - Behavioral Health Group Homes

Expressive Therapist - Behavioral Health Group Homes (Mon‑Fri 8 AM‑4:30 PM)

Location:

101 Truman Medical Center, Intensive Care Group Home (Cadence House), Kansas City, Missouri.

We’re looking for an Expressive Therapist or Recreation Therapist who is passionate about building relationships with clients, creating tailored activity programs, and leading therapeutic experiences that meet our residents where they are. You’ll be working in a group home setting and out in the community, helping clients discover their adaptive mode—the place where they feel their best and are fully engaged in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.

If you enjoy working with a diverse population, getting people involved in the community, and adapting your approach to meet evolving needs, this position could be perfect for you!

• Design and lead an engaging activity schedule based on residents’ interests (e.g., outings to the zoo, basketball games, video game tournaments, grocery shopping, etc.).
• Incorporate Recovery‑Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT‑R) – receive training and integrate this evidence‑based practice into your programs to build confidence and life skills.
• Tailor programs to each resident – adapt activities as the population changes, ensuring the unique interests and needs of each client are met.
• Build community connections – facilitate community‑based activities that help residents engage with the world.
• Collaborate closely with the group‑home and multidisciplinary treatment team to align programs with residents’ recovery goals.

• You’ll have autonomy to create and lead a dynamic recreation therapy program with support and mentorship from a certified recreation therapist in leadership.
• You’ll make a tangible impact on residents, helping them experience joy, connection, and progress.
• Daytime schedule (Monday‑Friday) for work‑life balance. Holidays off.

• Highly accepting and non‑judgmental; meeting clients where they are and celebrating progress.
• Loves getting people out into the community and facilitating confidence‑building experiences.
• Creative and adaptable; tailoring programs to residents’ needs and interests.
• Comfortable with diversity and working with clients from varied backgrounds.

• Graduation from an accredited college program in Recreation Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Drama Therapy or Dance and Movement Therapy.
• Must have current certification or registry in one of the aforementioned therapies, or obtain it within 6 months of hire.
• Obtain Heart Savers and CBMT certification within 60 days and maintain current certification.
• Verbal and written communication skills required for leading expressive therapy and completing documentation.
• Valid Class E Missouri or Kansas driver’s license; comfortable operating a 15‑passenger van within two months of hire.
• Completion of training as directed through orientation and/or by leadership, management or educators.
• Successful completion of a Family Care Registry background check.

• Experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, especially schizophrenia.

Kansas City, MO. Primarily in a group home setting with opportunities to engage residents in community activities.

If you’re an Expressive Therapist or Certified Recreation Therapist (or on the path to certification) who’s ready to inspire and empower residents in their recovery, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and take the next step in your expressive therapist or recreation therapy career.