Recreation Therapist Jobs in Illinois
A Recreation Therapist, also known as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, utilizes treatment services and recreation activities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. They interact with diverse patient populations from children to the elderly, with a broad range of health conditions, such as developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, and physical illnesses or injuries. Recreation Therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for individuals in institutions, clinical environments, or community settings.
To become a Recreation Therapist, one must possess a combination of hard and soft skills. These include excellent interpersonal and communication skills, patience, empathy, creativity, and adaptability. They should have a strong understanding of human anatomy, disability issues, and therapeutic theories. Additionally, they need to be physically fit, as the job often involves physical activities. A bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field is typically required. Most employers prefer candidates who are certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Before becoming a Recreation Therapist, a person may have roles such as a Recreation Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Occupational Therapist Assistant.
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art,...
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art,...
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art,...
Music Therapist (Part-Time; 20 hours per week; $28.00 an hour)
- Deerfield, IL
- 7 days ago
- Deerfield, IL
- 7 days ago
Other Qualifications Experience, or interest in program development and implementation of Music Therapy Programs....
Recreation Specialist - Fitness Programs Services FT
- Waukegan, IL
- 7 days ago
- Waukegan, IL
- 7 days ago
Status of Employment: Full-Time, Exempt Compensation & Benefits: Expected hiring range $50,000 - $55,000 based on education, experience, and skills. Click here for a quick look at benefits!...
Experience using evidence-based therapeutic interventions is required....
Records Medicaid billable therapeutic interventions in accordance with Medicaid Rule 140 daily....
The candidate must be willing to complete the Neurologic Music Therapy training upon hiring....
Responsibilities Shape the future of behavioral health care throughout the Forest Park community by joining our extraordinary team at Riveredge Hospital. Bring your compassion, expertise,...
Responsibilities Shape the future of behavioral health care throughout the Forest Park community by joining our extraordinary team at Riveredge Hospital. Bring your compassion, expertise,...
Must have knowledge and experience in therapeutic recreation services for individuals with disabilities....
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Plan, develop, and apply therapeutic interventions based on clinical techniques and procedures related to recreational therapy, music therapy, art therapy, dance therapy and...
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - Community Behavioral Health 6 West
- Peoria, IL
- 60+ days ago
- Peoria, IL
- 60+ days ago
Qualifications Education: Bachelor's Degree: Music Therapy; Therapeutic Recreation; Recreation Management Certification & Licensure Requirements Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform...
Overview The music therapist will provide individual, dyad, and group music therapy, while participating in interdisciplinary treatment planning by developing a music therapy treatment plan and collaborating...
Certification: Current national certification from NCTRC as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or eligible to take exam required....
Demographic Data for Illinois
Moving to Illinois? Find some basic demographic data about Illinois below.
Recreation Therapist Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles
Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs in Illinois
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.
Highest Education Level
Recreation Therapists in Illinois offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Recreation Therapist position
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Certified Lifeguard
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Water Safety Instructor
- Events
- CPR First Aid
- Aquatics
- Officiating
- Relaxation
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Music Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Treatment Planning
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Therapeutic
- Interventions
- Developmental Disabilities
- Exercise
- Group Counseling
- Care Planning
- Outpatient
- Psychiatry
- Discharge Planning
- Geriatrics
- Long-Term Care
- Behavioral Health
- Mental Health
- Music
- Fitness
- Home Care
- Hospital Operations
- Wellness
- Patient Care
- Basic Life Support
- Program Development
- Nursing
- First Aid
- Counseling
- Referrals
- Health Care
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Documentation
- Collaboration
- Employee Development
- Bachelor's Degree
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Recreation Therapist Related Career Advice Articles

How to Become a Physical Therapist
Wondering how to become a physical therapist? Use this guide to learn about what physical therapists do, how long it takes to be a physical therapist, and even the average physical therapist salary.
Read article »
What Employers Look for When Hiring for Therapist Jobs
Ready to launch your career in professional therapy? Find out what you can do to stand out to employers and get one step closer to becoming a therapist.
Read article »
Which Physical Therapy Career Path is Right for You?
Just beginning your physical therapist career? Learn about the different types of physical therapy and choose the right physical therapy career path for you.
Read article »