Therapeutic Recreation Manager

Therapeutic Recreation Director

The Therapeutic Recreation Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a structured therapeutic recreation program tailored to the needs of clients in detox and rehabilitation settings. This position plays a critical role in enhancing patient engagement, supporting recovery through creative and physical activities, and contributing to the overall therapeutic environment of the facility.

Task and Responsibilities:

• Create and implement a weekly recreation schedule for detox and rehab patients that includes a variety of physical, creative, social, and entertainment-based activities (e.g., yoga, visual art, storytelling, physical exercise, competitive games/sports, music, board/card games, film viewings).
• Facilitates a minimum of one recreation group per day per assigned sites.
• Develop and implement evidence-based recreational therapy curriculum for use by clinical staff, covering group topics such as Meditation and Mindfulness.
• Source and/or create multimedia resources (e.g., worksheets, articles, videos) to support group curriculum and train clinical staff on their effective use.
• Organize, coordinate, and implement bi-monthly special events such as talent shows, field day events, alumni gatherings, and guest performances (e.g., recovery day, comedians or speakers).
• Collaborate with the clinical director to implement changes to weekly therapy schedules and develop a monthly recreation and events calendar.
• Use patient involvement to enhance clinical space (e.g., creating artwork for display and maintaining gardens).
• Manage and mentor assigned.
• Providing individual treatment/crisis intervention to clients referred by counselors weekly as.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of recreational activities and their impact on client progress; communicate observations to counselors.
• Supervise recreational activities and instruct/monitor patients in the safe use of materials and equipment.
• Report all incidents or accidents that occur during recreational programming.
• Maintain and submit timely documentation of patient participation in all group and recreational activities.
• Create and submit weekly or bi-monthly supply orders and manage a basic monthly budget for group, recreation, and event planning.
• Support the maintenance and updating of monthly program.
• Coordinate with nursing and counseling staff regarding patient participation in recreational programming.
• Participate in ongoing program planning and evaluation in coordination with administration.
• Maintain recreational supplies, materials, and equipment in good condition.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current NY State QHP license or certification

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective time management and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency with computer systems and documentation software.
• Demonstrate leadership and interpersonal.
• Ability to identify, assess and solve problems efficiently & effectively.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and professionalism when engaging with client Designs programming reflects individual needs, strengths, and recovery goals.
• Effectively works with clinical, nursing, and operations teams to support coordinated.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully with colleagues and leadership.
• Develop engaging, diverse, and recovery-focused activities. Brings new ideas and therapeutic approaches to enhance the patient experience.
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with staff, leadership, and clients.
• Maintains clear and accurate documentation.
• Provides guidance and support to interns and leads recreational initiatives with professionalism. Models appropriate therapeutic boundaries and behavior.
• Plans, coordinates, and implements multiple recreational and therapeutic activities efficiently. Prioritizes tasks and meets deadlines.
• Demonstrates awareness of and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs of clients and staff.
• Adheres to organizational policies, ethical standards, and confidentiality regulations in all interactions and documentation.
• Responds appropriately to client crises or changing program needs. Adapts quickly and remains calm under pressure.
• Maintains accurate records, follows through on assigned duties, and adheres to state and agency regulations (e.g., OASAS, Joint Commission, CARF and HIPAA).

What We Offer:

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Salary Range: $85,000-$90,000 annually.

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