Director of Recreation Therapy

Company Overview: San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is a 198-bed, acute-care psychiatric and substance abuse treatment facility located in the Northwest San Antonio Medical Center. Our highly trained team of behavioral health professionals are dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized, and trauma-informed care for our patients.

Job Summary: We are seeking a Director of Recreation Therapy to join our team. The Director of Recreation Therapy designs and oversees evidence-based, client-centered recreational activities (such as arts, physical wellness, and social events) that improve patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Responsibilities:

• · Designing therapeutic activities, managing department budgets, supervising therapists and activity staff, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations
• · Understands both clinical and recreational modalities to create engaging activities that are tailored to meet the diverse needs of patients
• · Supervise, hire, train, and evaluate recreation therapists, activity coordinators, and volunteers
• · Collaborating with medical teams, physical therapists, and social workers to align recreational programs with overall patient treatment plans
• · Manage department financial operations, equipment purchasing, and resource allocation within set budget limits
• · Assess the effectiveness of ongoing therapy initiatives and adjust programming based on patient feedback and clinical outcomes
• · Perform other duties as per the requirements of the organization

Requirements

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in recreational therapy, therapeutic recreation, or a closely related field.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification in the State of Texas.
• 2 to 5 years of clinical experience. Supervisory or leadership background preferred.
• Additional Requirements: Must possess or obtain a valid CPR certification and de-escalation training before completing new hire orientation.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: · Deep understanding of therapeutic recreation practices, patient assessment tools, and individualized treatment planning
• · Familiarity with healthcare regulations, safety standards, and compliance documentation systems
• · Knowledge of aging processes, disabilities, and mental health issues affecting diverse patient populations
• · Understanding of budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation
• · Proven ability to train, motivate, and direct professional and support staff
• · Excellent verbal and written skills to coordinate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, families, and administrators
• · Creative and practical decision-making abilities to handle emergencies and navigate complex dynamics
• · Ability to deal tactfully with patients, families, visitors, and community organizations
• · Ability to design, implement, and evaluate engaging recreational activities tailored to specific clinical goals
• · Ability to make sound, independent decisions during clinical or operational challenges
• Physical Requirements: · Must be able to sit or remain stationary for extended periods during 45-to-60-minute therapy sessions.
• · Must possess the sensory acuity to clearly hear spoken language, speak intelligibly, and observe nuanced client facial expressions and body language in person or via telehealth.
• · Ability to lift up to 10 to 15 pounds occasionally
• · Bending, lifting, stooping, kneeling, and crouching are required.
• · Clear sight and hearing to monitor patient behavior, hear alarms, and communicate effectively, sometimes in noisy environments.
• · Potential exposure to hostile or agitated individuals, odors, and sometimes loud noises.
• · The ability to handle high-stress situations over long, consecutive work hours.