Recreational Therapist

Estimated Start Date: 11/30/2026

Role Scope: The Recreational Therapist (RT) plays a key role in supporting the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well‑being of participants enrolled in Habitat Health’s PACE program. This role plans and delivers therapeutic recreation interventions that promote functional ability, engagement, and quality of life for older adults with complex medical and psychosocial needs. As an active member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), the Recreational Therapist conducts assessments, contributes to individualized care plans, and collaborates closely with clinical and social care partners to ensure programming aligns with participant goals and regulatory requirements.

Core Responsibilities & Expectations for the Role

• Conduct therapeutic recreation assessments on time to evaluate participants’ functional abilities, interests, strengths, and needs, and document findings in accordance with PACE regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement individualized and group therapeutic recreation interventions that support physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.
• Contribute to IDT care planning by sharing assessment findings, creating SMART goals based on assessments, and creating appropriate interventions to meet the participant’s needs.
• Adapt activities and interventions to meet diverse functional levels, cultural backgrounds, and individual preferences.
• Monitor participant progress, update care plans as needed, and document interventions and outcomes in a timely and accurate manner.
• Support safe and engaging programming within the day center and community settings, ensuring appropriate supervision and adherence to safety protocols.
• Participate in care transitions by providing input on participant needs and recommending therapeutic support for home, SNF, or hospital settings.
• Maintain therapeutic supplies, equipment, and activity spaces to ensure a safe, organized, and welcoming environment.
• Engage participants with cognitive impairment, dementia, or behavioral health needs using appropriate therapeutic approaches and deescalation techniques.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance programming, workflows, and participant engagement.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy or related field or equivalent work experience
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience providing recreational therapy or activity programming to aging and frail populations.
• Ability to independently plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation interventions that support participants’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well‑being.
• Experience conducting functional assessments and documenting participant progress in alignment with care plans and regulatory requirements.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Ability to adapt programming to meet diverse functional levels, cultural backgrounds, and individual preferences.
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and sound judgment in managing day‑to‑day responsibilities and participant needs.
• Aligns with our purpose and our values, and is excited about living those out in daily practice
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with comfort navigating ambiguity, adapting quickly, and contributing to continuous improvement
• Strong learning and growth mindset, including seeking feedback, engaging in healthy debate and using data and curiosity to inform decisions.
• Acts with integrity and ownership, considering the broader organizational impact, doing the right thing, and following through to deliver results.

Nice to have:

• Bilingual: Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese
• Knowledge of PACE, CMS, and state regulatory requirements related to activity programming and participant engagement.

Essential Functions & Physical Requirements

The following statements describe the general nature of work and physical expectations common across roles at Habitat Health. Specific responsibilities may vary by position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Team members in this role may be expected to:

• Work in healthcare, administrative, community, or remote environments, depending on role needs.
• Communicate effectively with participants, caregivers, team members, and other stakeholders in person, by phone, and through electronic systems.
• Remain stationary and/or move about for extended periods, consistent with job duties.
• Operate standard office equipment and/or clinical tools (e.g., computers, phones, medical devices, documentation systems).
• Travel between work sites or community locations as needed.
• Follow safety procedures, infection control protocols, and use personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
• Perform tasks that may involve bending, reaching, lifting, or assisting participants, depending on role responsibilities.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull supplies, equipment, or materials typically up to 25–50 pounds, with assistance or mechanical aids, depending on job duties and role responsibilities.

Compensation:  The anticipated salary range for this position is $34 - $39 per hour. This position is also eligible for a target annual bonus of 5% and may be eligible for additional incentive compensation, as applicable. The final compensation offered will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, certifications, geographical location, and business needs. In addition, this position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability coverage; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; a 401(k) savings plan that includes a match; paid time off; and company paid holidays.

At-Will Employment

Employment with Habitat Health is at-will. This means that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job posting or any other company document is intended to create a contract of employment, express or implied, or to alter the at-will nature of employment.

Any written or oral statements to the contrary are not authorized unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the Company.