What does a Recreation Therapy Specialist do?

A Recreation Therapy Specialist is a medical professional that works with disabled and infirm individuals to improve their quality of life and medical care experience. They coordinate with the company care team to develop entertaining programs that fulfill clients’ unique emotional and social needs. Thru direct contact with clients on a one-on-one therapy basis and individual assessments, recreation therapy specialists develop and implement strategies to improve clients’ mental wellbeing in individual and group activities. In addition, a recreation therapy specialist may assist with other work-related areas as needed, such as during group outings or meal times.

Recreation Therapy Specialist skills and qualifications

Recreational Therapy Specialists need to possess a skill set that will allow them to follow through on their duties, including:

• Excellent communication skills, including patience and empathy. that enable them to interact with clients who may have communication barriers
• Knowledge of human growth and development
• Competency in the ability to find and interpret information about a patient’s needs and assess them in an age and ability-appropriate manner
• A good understanding of the range of treatment needed by the patients
• Familiarity with current technology and assistive devices that clients’ may benefit from using or require for their daily living activities
• Competency with current assessment tools and practices

Recreation Therapy Specialist experience requirements

Many companies prefer a recreational therapist who has previous experience in conducting client assessments and identifying treatment goals. Highly-experienced therapy specialists will have extensive practice preparing and implementing therapeutic activities in both a private setting and leading a group recreational therapy session.  

Recreation Therapy Specialist education and training requirements

The typical educational requirement for an entry-level position is a Bachelor’s degree. Certification as a therapist through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) may also be required, depending on the employer. Educational programs for therapy specialists typically include courses in illnesses and disabilities, anatomy, assessment and the use of technology and assistive devices. There are five areas a person can specialize in through the NCTRC: behavioral health, developmental disabilities, community inclusion, geriatrics and physical medicine. Most certification programs also include an internship. Some states also have recreational therapist licensing requirements. In addition, a driver’s license may be required.

Recreation Therapy Specialist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Recreation Therapy Specialist is $47,261 a year. However, depending on location, education, work experience and the company, salaries will vary.

Job description samples for similar positions

Not every company requires the level of services provided by a Recreation Therapy Specialist, or many have other job requirements that need fulfillment. If your company has needs other than those offered by a Recreation Therapy Specialist, look into these similar professions:

• Life Enrichment Manager
• Activities Director
• Recreation Assistant

Recreation Therapy Specialist job description FAQs

What day-to-day tasks must a recreation therapy specialist complete?

In addition to creating and implementing therapeutic programs, a recreation therapy specialist documents client data and provides reports to the appropriate parties as requested, such as family members and program administrators. They must be able to bend, lift, remain stationary for extended periods and assist clients with physical tasks as needed.

Who does a recreation therapy specialist report to?

The recreation therapy specialist typically reports to the program administrators daily. They may also report to medical staff, including therapists and doctors, family members, and government entities requesting data about the program or client participation.

What’s the difference between a recreation therapy specialist and an activities director?

Activities directors are typically employed in senior centers and retirement communities, whereas a recreation therapy specialist is trained to assist people with disabilities of all ages.

Do recreation therapy specialists have different duties in different industries?

Yes, for example, a recreation therapy specialist in a nursing home will have duties that involve significant geriatric care knowledge that other settings, such as a care home for the developmentally disabled, may not require. However, their duties will largely depend on the level of care needed by their clients.