Recreation Therapist Jobs in New York
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.
QUALIFICATIONS: Civil Service eligibility for Music Therapist: Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university with a bachelor's degree in Music Therapy....
Therapeutic Recreation Therapist for Adult Day Care-Manhattan
- New York, NY
- 3 days ago
- New York, NY
- 3 days ago
The Adult Day Care Center on our Manhattan campus is seeking a full time Therapeutic Recreation Therapist to join our team! This position will be part-time, 3 days a week, 18 to 20 hour per week....
Recreation Therapist Department: Therapies Location: Clifton Springs Nursing Home Hours Per Week: 37.5 Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday--Days OR Monday - Friday Days which will include two evening shifts...
Adult Occupational Therapist Kidology,inc. Southampton Are you a highly skilled and motivated Speech Therapist looking for an immediate opportunity in the healthcare industry? Do you have a...
responsibilities assigned to support the operations of the program Qualifications + Master's degree in Creative Art Therapy and LCAT or limited permit required + Previous experience working or interning in a therapeutic...
Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit 6N Recreation Therapist F-T
- Brooklyn, NY
- 5 days ago
- Brooklyn, NY
- 5 days ago
Degree in Therapeutic Recreation preferred, or B.A. degree in related field of study for the population served Experience working with the Geriatric population Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist...
Travel Art Therapist job in Syracuse, NY - Make $1732 - $1962/week (Job #2792891
- Syracuse, NY
- 6 days ago
- Syracuse, NY
- 6 days ago
Aya Healthcare has an immediate opening for the following position: Art Therapist in Syracuse, NY. We'll work with you to build the healthcare career of your dreams. Whether you want a job close...
Functions: Organize and supervise on and off-center student recreation activities. Our students have already enjoyed events such as:Goat YogaPaint BallArts and CraftsWeight and Cardio Work Outs...
Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit 6N Recreation Therapist F/T
- Brooklyn, NY
- 7 days ago
- Brooklyn, NY
- 7 days ago
Degree in Therapeutic Recreation preferred, or B.A. degree in related field of study for the population served Experience working with the Geriatric population Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist...
Therapy Must have valid Music Therapist-Board Certification (MT-BC)....
Assess and recommends and requisitions purchases for equipment and supplies that pertain to therapeutic recreation. Abides by department policies and procedures and operational guidelines....
Certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (CTRS) is required. Must demonstrate ability by education or training in treating people with mental/psychiatric illness....
CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) preferred EDUCATION: AS: Therapeutic Recreation (Required) PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally,...
Maintains the schedule of Therapeutic Recreation programs to be offered according to the client's needs and interests....
Recreation Specialist (CTRS) issued by the National Council For Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), 7 Elmwood Drive, New City, NY 10956....
Demographic Data for New York
Moving to New York? Find some basic demographic data about New York 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 York
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.
Highest Education Level
Recreation Therapists in New York offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Recreation Therapist position
- Soccer
- Automated External Defibrillator
- Swimming
- Certified Lifeguard
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Water Safety Instructor
- Events
- Computer Programming
- CPR First Aid
- Aquatics
- Officiating
- Relaxation
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Music Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Treatment Planning
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Anxiety
- Therapeutic
- Interventions
- Developmental Disabilities
- Exercise
- Group Counseling
- Dementia Care
- Outpatient
- Psychiatry
- Discharge Planning
- Acute Care
- Geriatrics
- Behavioral Health
- Mental Health
- Music
- Fitness
- Hospital Operations
- Wellness
- Patient Care
- Basic Life Support
- Program Development
- Nursing
- First Aid
- Counseling
- Referrals
- Health Care
- Interviewing
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Documentation
- Collaboration
- Employee Development
- Bachelor's Degree
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Teamwork
- 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 »