Recreation Therapist Jobs in New Jersey
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.
Therapist will participate in annual facility and job specific competency trainings Working within a multidisciplinary team, directs a therapeutic recreational/social program according to established...
Therapy and/or Music Therapy from an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved university (or undergraduate equivalency program approved by AMTA)....
Allied Therapist - Art Job Details Job Location Balance - Mercer County, NJ Position Type Full Time Education Level Graduate Degree The Allied Therapist - Art rovides weekly art group services and therapeutic...
Qualifications Minimum requirements: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) required. Baccalaureate Degree in Therapeutic Recreation required....
Short Description The Art Therapist will plan, organize, and provide therapy that creates a caring and therapeutic environment, addresses mental health needs of the patient, and positively impacts the...
Recreation Therapist - Behavioral Health (Pediatrics)
- Boonton Township, NJ
- 6 days ago
- Boonton Township, NJ
- 6 days ago
Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or Registered Therapeutic Recreator (RTR) preferred.3....
Music Instructor/Music Therapist Needed Adult Day Program
- Hamilton, NJ
- 7 days ago
- Hamilton, NJ
- 7 days ago
Key Responsibilities: Lead fun, interactive, and therapeutic music sessions using singing, instruments, and movement Follow and/or adapt a provided curriculum to meet the needs of participants Create...
Utilize art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to help adult and pediatric patients and families to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster...
Recreation Therapist - Per Diem, Day - Mountainside, NJ
- Mountainside, NJ
- 45+ days ago
- Mountainside, NJ
- 45+ days ago
Qualifications: Required: Bachelor s Degree in Recreation, with rehabilitation or therapeutic recreation emphasis, from an accredited program National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification...
Adjunct Therapist (Art Therapy) - Eating Disorders Outpatient - Somerville, NJ
- Somerville, NJ
- 60+ days ago
- Somerville, NJ
- 60+ days ago
Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy Minimum 3 years of Creative Art Therapies, Licensure commensurate with the degree, Preferred: Masters degree preferred....
Overview Join our team as a day shift, PRN, Adult Psychiatric Unit Recreational Therapist in Montclair, NJ. Why Join Us? Thrive in a People-First Environment and Make Healthcare Better Thrive: We...
Recreation Therapist - Full Time - Mountainside, NJ
- Mountainside, NJ
- 90+ days ago
- Mountainside, NJ
- 90+ days ago
Qualifications: Required: Bachelor s Degree in Recreation, with rehabilitation or therapeutic recreation emphasis, from an accredited program National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification...
- Morristown, NJ
- 90+ days ago
- Morristown, NJ
- 90+ days ago
Plan and prepare appropriate therapeutic art interventions, media and directives....
Demographic Data for New Jersey
Moving to New Jersey? Find some basic demographic data about New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.
Highest Education Level
Recreation Therapists in New Jersey offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Recreation Therapist position
- Swimming
- Certified Lifeguard
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Water Safety Instructor
- Events
- CPR First Aid
- Eating Disorders
- Aquatics
- Officiating
- Music Therapy
- Relaxation
- Gait Training
- Treatment Planning
- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Anxiety
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Therapeutic
- Interventions
- Exercise
- Developmental Disabilities
- Yoga
- Masters
- Outpatient
- Psychiatry
- Acute Care
- Discharge Planning
- Trauma
- Geriatrics
- Fitness
- Behavioral Health
- Music
- Mental Health
- Patient Care
- Wellness
- Basic Life Support
- Masters In Education
- Nursing
- First Aid
- Counseling
- Referrals
- Health Care
- Interviewing
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Collaboration
- Documentation
- Employee Development
- Bachelor's Degree
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Research Skills
- 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 »