Recreation Therapist

  • Sanford Health
  • Fargo, North Dakota
  • Full Time
Careers With Purpose

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Facility: Sanford S Univ Med Ctr
Location: Fargo, ND
Address: 1720 S University Dr, Fargo, ND 58103, USA
Shift: 8 Hours - Varied Shifts
Job Schedule: Full time
Weekly Hours: 32.00
Starting Rate: $22.00 - $34.50

Department Details

Flexible work schedule

dynamic team atmosphere

Monday-Friday day hours

Job Summary

Provides recreational activities, leisure education, and treatment for people with mental, physical or emotional disabilities or illnesses to improve or maintain their health and well-being. Selects, develops and implements recreational activities to help clients improve physical, mental and social functions. Assesses clients' needs and interests based on observations, standardized assessments, medical records, etc., for the selection and development of therapeutic recreations. Thorough knowledge of therapeutic recreational therapy theory and practices. Documents appropriately to meet regulatory requirements per assigned setting on behalf of the clients' participation and reactions during therapeutic recreation treatments; tracks patients' progress and evaluates therapeutic effects. Provides adaptive equipment to help clients with disabilities participate in recreational activities assigned in treatment plans. May assist with and/or provide community integration as part of their treatment. When necessary, will participate with facilitating support groups, as well as coordinating volunteers.

Qualifications

Within the hospital inpatient setting, Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation is required.

When applicable, may require valid driver's license.

Within the hospital inpatient setting, must maintain certification as professional Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) level through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification with yearly maintenance and re-certification required every five years.

Within a nursing home facility, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is required within six months of hire.

In the nursing home and long term care facilities, the activities programs must be directed by a qualified professional who is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who meets one of the following: a) Licensed or registered, if applicable, by the state in which practicing; and b) Eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990; or c) Has two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one of which was full-time in a therapeutic activities program; or d) Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant (COTA); or e) Has completed a training course approved by the state. Must be registered as a nursing assistant if other professional certification does not allow for hands-on assistance with ambulating and eating. If certified upon hire, must maintain applicable certifications for position including: Trained Medication Aide (TMA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), etc..

Benefits

Sanford Health offers an attractive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees. Depending on eligibility, a variety of benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, work/life balance benefits, and a generous time off package to maintain a healthy home-work balance. For more information about Total Rewards, visit .

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call ... or send an email to ... .

Sanford Health has a Drug Free Workplace Policy. An accepted offer will require a drug screen and pre-employment background screening as a condition of employment.

Req Number: R-0224653
Job Function: Allied Health
Featured: No
Job ID: 480676530
Originally Posted on: 6/10/2025

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