Recreation Therapist - Behavioral Health Services Day Shift

Recreation Therapist – Behavioral Health Services

Location: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center,
Shift: Full‑time Day

Responsibilities:

• Assess patient growth and development; provide individualized recreational activities in accordance with unit program schedule.
• Implement and lead programs related to leisure education, stress reduction, social skills, reality orientation, communication skills, self‑esteem, independent living skills, and physical exercise.
• Use behavior management techniques when interacting with patients; provide appropriate individual interventions during group activities.
• Communicate effectively with treatment team members regarding patient needs, requests, and observed behaviors.
• Participate in treatment planning and integrate therapeutic recreation into patients’ treatment plans; collaborate with other Rehabilitation Department staff on activity program development.
• Document patient actions, behaviors, symptoms, and progress toward treatment goals in patient medical record per policies and procedures.
• Follow hospital-wide and department policies and procedures; maintain departmental quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
• Provide customer service with respect, flexibility, confidence, and professionalism; respond promptly and courteously to patients and families.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings; maintain communication with staff; participate in unit committees and performance improvement activities.
• Enhance professional growth by attending in‑services and educational programs; provide in‑service training to other staff; write protocols for groups.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited school.
• CTRS or CTRS eligible;
  Heart Saver Certification required.
• Good oral and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills.
• Speaks, reads and writes English to the extent required by the position.
• Previous experience in a behavioral health or inpatient rehabilitation setting preferred.

Physical Demands: Frequent prolonged standing/walking; frequent bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, crouching; lifts, positions, pushes, and/or transfers patients.

Salary: $31.70‑$54.32 per hour (commensurate with experience).

Benefits: Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans; generous paid time off policy; tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs.

EEO Statement:
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.