Recreation Therapist Jobs in Virginia

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.

1-15 of 28 Jobs

recreation, or a closely related field; plus two years of related experience in recreation center, park, athletic field, golf course operations, or community-based program coordination or a related...

Recreation Specialist II - Senior Programs

  • Chesapeake, VA
  • 1 day ago
  • Chesapeake, VA
  • 1 day ago

Recreation Specialist II - Senior Programs Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job Position Details Position Information Working Title of Vacant PositionRecreation Specialist II -...

recreation, or a closely related field; plus two years of related experience in recreation center, park, athletic field, golf course operations, or community-based program coordination or a related...

Recreational Therapist

  • Richmond, VA
  • 2 days ago
  • Richmond, VA
  • 2 days ago

recreation activities for clients in the residential treatment program to enhance their physical, social and emotional well-being....

Art Therapist

  • Alexandria, VA
  • 3 days ago
  • Alexandria, VA
  • 3 days ago

Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Training & development Vision insurance Ellie Mental Health is hiring an Art Therapist for its Old Town Alexandria, Virginia...

Art Therapist - $5000 Sign-on Bonus

  • Petersburg, VA
  • 4 days ago
  • Petersburg, VA
  • 4 days ago

Will carry a case load, develop and implement therapeutic activity sessions, and complete all related documentation....

Recreational Therapist (CTRS)

  • Danville, VA
  • 5 days ago
  • Danville, VA
  • 5 days ago

Recreation Certification Two (2) years experience providing Recreation/Activities Therapy....

Recreation Therapist

  • Alexandria, VA
  • 6 days ago
  • Alexandria, VA
  • 6 days ago

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification required or ability to obtain this certification within 1 year....

Afloat Recreation Specialist (Fun Boss)

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 9 days ago
  • Norfolk, VA
  • 9 days ago

This position is that of Afloat Recreation Specialist (NAF Civilian position) on board ships worldwide. The primary purpose of this position also known as "Fun Boss" is to plan, coordinate,...

Recreation Therapist

  • Manassas, VA
  • 10 days ago
  • Manassas, VA
  • 10 days ago

Recreation Therapist The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia United States, Virginia, Manassas Jun 03, 2025 Recreation Therapist Job Code: RE1486 Part Time | The schedule alternates bi-weekly...

Recreation Therapist - #WWRW0084

  • VA
  • 12 days ago
  • VA
  • 12 days ago

Title: Recreation Therapist - #WWRW0084 State Role Title: Therapist II Hiring Range: Anticipated Starting Salary $50,107 Pay Band: 4 Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs Location: Wilson Wkfc Rehab Ctn...

Recreational Therapist PRN

  • Mechanicsville, VA
  • 12 days ago
  • Mechanicsville, VA
  • 12 days ago

Registry, or American Occupational Therapy Association) is required upon hire: -Art Therapist -Music Therapist -Recreation Therapist -Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist CJW Medical Center is...

Music Therapist

  • Williamsburg, VA
  • 17 days ago
  • Williamsburg, VA
  • 17 days ago

Music Therapist | The Pavilion at Williamsburg Place | Williamsburg, Virginia About the Job: The Therapist I is a part of the multidisciplinary team responsible for providing direct clinical...

Music Therapist (Full-Time)

  • Falls Church, VA
  • 17 days ago
  • Falls Church, VA
  • 17 days ago

Establishes goals and objectives for music therapy treatment, considering one's needs, capabilities, interests, and overall therapeutic value....

Recreation Specialist - Fitness

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 26 days ago
  • Norfolk, VA
  • 26 days ago

The City of Norfolk Department of Parks & Recreation is seeking a Recreational specialist that is responsible for developing and implementing fitness programs, leading exercise classes, and...

Demographic Data for Virginia

Moving to Virginia? Find some basic demographic data about Virginia below.


Local
National
8,631,637
205,142

Recreation Therapist Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireTherapy curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Leadership Skills Development for Occupational Therapists
The Leadership Skills Development MOOC for Occupational Therapists will support course participants to gain insights into their leadership potential, values and preferences. Together we will...
Therapeutic Recreation Course
Overview Therapeutic recreation allows people to achieve mental, emotional and physical well-being through an enjoyable journey. Explore the world of therapeutic recreation and gain an in-depth...
AI for Therapists
AI for Therapists: Automate Admin, Boost Client Support, and Practice Ethically with EaseAre you a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional feeling stretched thin by session notes,...

Title Synonyms

Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles


Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs in Virginia

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireTherapy research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.



Highest Education Level

Recreation Therapists in Virginia offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
50.8%
Master's Degree
31.0%
Associate's Degree
7.8%
Doctorate Degree
3.7%
High School or GED
3.4%
Vocational Degree or Certification
2.7%
Some College
0.5%
Some High School
0.1%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Recreation Therapists in Virginia
Less than 1 year
50.0%
1-2 years
26.9%
2-4 years
15.4%
6-8 years
3.9%
None
3.9%



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