Certified Recreational Therapist

Responsibilities

Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health, founded in 1986, is an 82‑bed facility in Norfolk, Virginia offering comprehensive mental health programs. It provides psychiatrically and medically managed acute, residential treatment, and partial hospitalization for children and adolescents.

The role of a Certified Recreational Therapist or Licensed Art Therapist includes serving as a role model for patients/residents, planning therapeutic groups and programs based on treatment plans, and ensuring a safe, positive environment across the facility.

Essential Functions:

• Develop activity therapy programs.
• Interface with direct care staff.
• Provide activity therapy services.
• Maintain code of employer/employee relations.
• Service Excellence.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Knowledge:
Principles and practice of Therapeutic Recreation;
Art Therapy, Music Therapy or Occupational Therapy; current CPR certification; behavior and crisis management; knowledge of aggressive behavior handling.

Education:

Undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, or Occupational Therapy from an accredited school and current certification or registration in the field.

Licensure/Certification:
Qualified Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) or equivalent license required.

Experience:

Experience working with children and adolescents in residential or psychiatric environments; prior residential treatment or psychiatric experience preferred. Ability to supervise students under the guidance of the Director of Education or designee.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand, squat, kneel, sit and lie on the floor for extended periods; climb, run and walk for long periods; lift up to 50 lb; read, write, speak and listen clearly; verbally de‑escalate and physically restrain clients; operate a 15‑passenger van; valid driver’s license; schedule includes evenings, weekends and holidays.

Benefits:

• Growth and development opportunities within UHS.
• Competitive compensation.
• Excellent medical, dental, vision and prescription drug plan.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Generous paid time off.