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Recreation Therapy Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vera French

Recreation Therapist

Davenport, IA · On-site

Provide direct implementation of the delivery of recreation therapy and mental health treatment ... Minimum of six months of experience in mental health field and/or internship focused in mental ...

Vera French

Recreation Therapist

Davenport, IA

Provide direct implementation of the delivery of recreation therapy and mental health treatment ... Minimum of six months of experience in mental health field and/or internship focused in mental ...

TidalHealth

Recreational Therapist

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$42K - $63K/yr

... therapy interns and volunteers. Recreational Therapist Position Requirements * Completion of an accredited bachelor of science degree program in therapeutic recreation group dynamics * At least 3 ...

KurzSolutions

Recreational Therapist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

... Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field from an accredited institution. Shall have a minimum of twelve (12) within the last thirty-six (36) months of therapist experience. Internship ...

TidalHealth

Recreational Therapist

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$42K - $63K/yr

... therapy interns and volunteers. Recreational Therapist Position Requirements * Completion of an accredited bachelor of science degree program in therapeutic recreation group dynamics * At least 3 ...

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Recreation Therapy Internship information

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$14

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$64

How much do recreation therapy internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy internship in the United States is $35.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $46.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a recreation therapy internship?

During a Recreation Therapy Internship, you can expect to actively participate in planning, facilitating, and evaluating therapeutic recreation activities for clients with diverse needs. Interns often work alongside certified recreation therapists, gaining exposure to creating individualized treatment plans, documenting client progress, and adapting activities for various physical or cognitive abilities. You will also collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including occupational therapists, nurses, and social workers, to ensure holistic care. This hands-on experience helps build practical skills and prepares you for professional certification.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapy Internship vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectRecreation Therapy InternshipRecreation Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires enrollment in a related degree program; may include supervised hoursRequires certification (e.g., CTRS) and licensure
Work EnvironmentInternship sites such as hospitals, rehab centers, community programsFull-time employment in healthcare, rehabilitation, or community settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and training phase, often unpaid or for creditProfessional role with responsibilities for patient care and program planning

The Recreation Therapy Internship is a training period for students gaining practical experience, while a Recreation Therapist is a licensed professional providing therapeutic recreation services. Internships prepare individuals for certification and full practice, which requires meeting specific credentials and gaining hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation therapy intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Therapy Intern, you generally need coursework in recreational therapy or a related field, along with a foundational understanding of therapeutic recreation principles. Familiarity with assessment tools, activity planning software, and documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience are essential soft skills for engaging clients and adapting interventions to their needs. These skills are vital because they ensure effective support for clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being during therapeutic activities.

What is a recreation therapy internship?

A Recreation Therapy Internship is a supervised, hands-on training experience for students pursuing a career in recreational therapy. During the internship, interns work under the guidance of certified recreational therapists to develop skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with illnesses or disabilities. The internship provides practical exposure to diverse client populations and settings, helping students meet education and certification requirements. It is an essential step for those seeking to become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS).

What cities are hiring for Recreation Therapy Internship jobs?

Cities with the most Recreation Therapy Internship job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Recreation Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Recreation Therapy Internship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recreation Therapy Internship jobs include:

Recreation Therapy Internship jobs near you

Recreation Therapist

Vera French Community Mental Health Center

Davenport, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Vera French rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM!
We are looking for a Recreation Therapist to join our team. The Recreation Therapists are responsible for the implementation and delivery of recreation therapy and mental health treatment to adults with psychiatric disabilities in a medium to long term treatment program. Therapist will provide individual assessment, develop goals and objectives, document implementation of services and progress toward goals, and serve as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Therapists are responsible for providing appropriate interventions to teach residents skills involving activities of daily living, community reintegration, functional, social, advocacy, and skills to promote physical and emotional health. Interventions developed by the therapist are designed to optimize the residents' involvement in treatment and in the community.
POSITION FUNCTIONS:
  • Provide direct implementation of the delivery of recreation therapy and mental health treatment services as outlined through the resident's treatment plan.
  • Develop course work and classes to meet the needs of the residents in accordance with a needs assessment, resident interests and goals defined by the interdisciplinary team.
  • Teach skills to residents in ways that are appropriate based on individual level of functioning.
  • Relate to residents in constructive supportive ways that encourage residents to acquire new skills that promote physical and emotional health, and other skills necessary for more independent living situation.
  • Plan, organize, teach and direct groups in a variety of programming areas including physical and emotional health, stress management or coping skills, social skills, leisure skill building, community reintegration, and activities of daily living.
  • Adequately document services provided according to facility procedures and standards; this includes the quality as well as the quantity and timeliness of documentation.
  • Evaluate and modify interventions to ensure residents are meeting goals and objectives.
  • Plan and organize assigned responsibilities to contribute to the safety and well-being of residents and efficient functioning of the Recreation Therapy Department.
  • Report relevant resident information as needed to supervisor and floor staff as necessary to provide for the safety of residents and continuity of care.
  • May be assigned to work 1:1 with residents.
  • Participate in the RCF-PMI on-call rotation as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
  • Bachelor Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Leisure Service; or a Bachelor's Degree with at least 30 semester hours in recreation therapy or leisure services (twelve months of experience in the delivery of recreation or leisure services in a social service or health field may be substituted in lieu of classroom training).
  • Certification at the professional level (CTRS) is preferred.

Skills and Experience:
  • Minimum of six months of experience in mental health field and/or internship focused in mental health or residential setting is required.
  • Must have, or be able to obtain, CPR certification.
  • Ability to assess, plan, provide, and evaluate individuals and groups.
  • Knowledge of current developments in the field of Recreational Therapy.
  • Excellent written & verbal communications skills.

Other Requirements:
  • Work assignment requires flexibility in scheduling with some evenings, weekends, and/or night shifts assigned to ensure appropriate coverage and supervision.
  • Satisfactory background checks with previous employers and references.
  • Maintain a valid driver's license
  • Ability to pass a drug screen
BENEFITS & PERKS
  • Medical Insurance through UnitedHealthcare
  • Dental and Vision Insurance through Delta Dental
  • Employer-paid Life Insurance, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability through Mutual of Omaha
  • Supplemental Life and Short-Term Disability options
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
    • 3% employer contribution (vested on day one)
    • 25% match on employee contributions up to 6%
PAID TIME OFF
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • 9 Paid Sick Days
  • 2 Weeks of Vacation
  • 1 Vera French Day

NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO REQUIRE A MEDICAL EXAMINATION
I hereby certify that, if hired, I will disclose any limitations I have that may impact my ability to do the job. I understand that I may also be required to undergo a pre-employment or post-employment medical exam by the VFCMHC' designated health practitioner.
NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO CONTACT REFERENCES AND CONDUCT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
I understand that I may be subject to a background check, and hereby authorize Vera French Community Mental Health Center, or any of its affiliates, to investigate my background to determine any and all information of concern as to my record, whether the same is of record or not, and I release employers and persons named in my application from all liability for any damages on account of his/her furnishing said information.
Additionally, you are hereby authorized to make any investigation of my personal history, educational background, military record,
motor vehicle records, criminal records, and credit history through an investigative or credit agency or bureau of your choice. I
authorize the release of this information by the appropriate agencies to the investigating service. I authorize and give permission for
the individuals listed as references to provide written information and/or verbally discuss my background with Vera French
Community Mental Health Center, or any of its affiliates.
This authorization, in original or copy form, shall be valid for this and any future reports and updates that may be required.
I understand that passing the background check is a condition of employment. A negative background check can be grounds for
dismissal, even if an offer has been made to me and I have been hired.

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