Therapeutic Recreational Specialist

Therapeutic Recreational Specialist

Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-6:30 PM, with one weekend per month required

Annual Salary: $48,317

Join our dynamic team at the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board's BJ Roberts Behavioral Health Center as a full‑time Therapeutic Recreational Specialist. You will have the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals' lives through engaging recreational therapies. You will work closely with a dedicated team, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes excellence in service. Your innovative ideas and empathetic approach will shine as you help clients achieve their therapeutic goals in a supportive setting.

In this role, you will be offered great benefits such as Medical, Vision, Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Competitive Salary, Employee Discounts, and the Virginia Retirement System. Apply today to join us in enhancing the quality of life for those we serve in our vibrant community.

Since 1971, the Hampton‑Newport News Community Services Board has provided the highest‑quality behavioral health services to residents of the cities of Hampton and Newport News, Virginia, offering a comprehensive array of programs for both children and adults living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders. We proudly opened the BJ Roberts Behavioral Health Center in April 2025 to increase access to services for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.

As the Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, you will conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' leisure interests, abilities, needs, and overall functional status. Utilizing standardized assessment tools and clinical observation, you will gather critical information alongside clinicians and team members to create individualized and group‑based treatment plans. These plans will integrate therapeutic recreation interventions aimed at broader clinical goals, such as promoting emotional regulation, enhancing socialization, fostering coping skills, and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits.

Your responsibilities will include designing and facilitating diverse therapeutic activities. You will engage clients in relaxation and mindfulness exercises, therapeutic arts and crafts, yoga or movement‑based sessions, and structured games— all crafted to strengthen communication, problem‑solving, and positive social engagement.

To excel as a Therapeutic Recreational Specialist at Hampton‑Newport News Community Services Board, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a closely related field, as well as at least one year of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting. A solid understanding of therapeutic recreation principles is crucial, as well as knowledge of behavioral health conditions and recovery‑oriented care models.

Adaptability, strong communication skills, and proficiency in clinical documentation are essential.

A commitment to person‑centered and trauma‑informed care is necessary, as this role demands creativity and a passion for employing recreation as a vital tool for healing, empowerment, and overall well‑being. Embrace the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in clients' lives through therapeutic recreation.

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a closely related field.
• At least one year of experience working with individuals in a behavioral healthcare setting.

So, what do you think? If you can meet these requirements and perform this job as described above, we would be happy to have you as part of our team!

The selected candidate must successfully pass a criminal history fingerprint background investigation, DMV record check, child registry search, drug screening test and employment reference checks.

Written by Applicant Pro