Recreational Therapist
Job Description
Three Trails Behavioral Hospital in the area of Independence, MO and we are seeking a compassionate and creative Recreational Therapist to join our team on a full-time basis. In this role, you will design and implement therapeutic recreation programs that support individuals’ physical, emotional, and social well-being. The ideal candidate is engaging, organized, and passionate about enhancing quality of life through meaningful activities.
The name Three Trails was selected to honor the historical significance of the city of Independence as the starting point for the Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails. The logo icon is a compass, which is symbolic of wayfinding, and metaphorically the personal journey to recovery.
The Groundbreaking for the new hospital was held in January 2025. Beam topping was held in July 2025. The facility is expected to open in the second half of 2026.
Responsibilities
The Recreational Therapist will:
- Responsible for completing an Activity Therapy Assessment for all new patients within 72 hours to understand social, physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning of patients ranging from adolescents through geriatric.
- Facilities and documents group therapy and activities using recreational therapy skills; demonstrates knowledge of group therapy dynamics and leadership
- Actively participates in the treatment planning process utilizing results from patient activity therapy assessment to inform treatment needs
Three Trails Behavioral Hospital will:
- Serve children and adolescents, adults and seniors with innovative and evidence-based inpatient behavioral healthcare focused on individual needs and comfort.
- Create more than 200 new, full-time jobs including nurses, clinicians, therapists, technicians and administrative staff, when the facility is fully operational.
- Be located at the intersection of I-70 and Little Blue Parkway, adjacent to the Children’s Mercy Hospital Outpatient Clinics.
- Feature 120 licensed beds ready to meet the mental health needs of the surrounding community.
- Span more than 88,000 square feet, and will include an activity yard and gym.
Full-time Benefits Include:
- Competitive Compensation and Generous Paid Time Off
- Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plan
- Employee Assistance Program available for employees and family
- 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
- Basic Life Insurance and Optional supplemental life insurance
- Career development opportunities across UHS and out 300+ locations!
- Challenging and rewarding work environment
- More Information is available on our benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com
Job Requirements
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation Therapy or in a Creative Art Therapy field (i.e., Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Recreation Therapy, Dance Therapy or Psychodrama); or a major in a related therapeutic discipline, creative arts discipline, or occupational therapy. Master’s degree, preferred.
- Previous experience in healthcare, rehabilitation, behavioral health, or long-term care preferred
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work a full time schedule that includes some evenings
