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Recreational Therapy Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recreational Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $37/hr

... direct observation, performance testing, information from others, and/or record review to generate ... Develop a recreational therapy discharge plan, in collaboration with the client, family ...

Reports to the Program Director/Administrator. Job Responsibilities * Plan, organize, and implement ... Collaborate with clinical staff to integrate recreational therapy into each resident ...

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Recreational Therapy Director information

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$36.5K

$83.9K

$182K

How much do recreational therapy director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreational therapy director in the United States is $83,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Recreational Therapy Director vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectRecreational Therapy DirectorRecreational Therapist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Recreational Therapy, certification (CTRS)Bachelor's or Master's in Recreational Therapy, certification (CTRS)
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, supervisory roles in healthcare, rehab, or senior facilitiesDirect patient care in hospitals, rehab centers, or community settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare organizations, senior living, rehab centersHospitals, clinics, community centers
Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in recreational therapyFocuses on direct therapy delivery and patient interaction

The Recreational Therapy Director oversees recreational therapy programs, manages staff, and develops policies, while the Recreational Therapist provides direct therapy services to clients. Both roles require similar credentials, but the director focuses on administration and program management, whereas the therapist works directly with patients to improve their well-being.

How does a Recreational Therapy Director typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to enhance patient outcomes?

As a Recreational Therapy Director, you will frequently collaborate with a multidisciplinary team that may include physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, and other allied health professionals. This collaboration ensures that therapeutic recreation programs are integrated into each patient's overall care plan, tailored to their individual needs and goals. Regular team meetings, shared documentation, and open communication are essential to monitor progress and adjust interventions as needed. Effective teamwork not only enhances patient outcomes but also fosters a supportive work environment.

What does a Recreational Therapy Director do?

A Recreational Therapy Director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic recreational programs for individuals with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges. They manage a team of recreational therapists, develop individualized treatment plans, and ensure activities meet the needs and interests of participants. Their goal is to improve patients’ quality of life, promote rehabilitation, and foster socialization through structured leisure and recreational activities. Additionally, they coordinate with other healthcare professionals and often handle administrative duties such as budgeting and staff training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recreational Therapy Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreational Therapy Director, you need a background in recreational therapy, a bachelor's or master's degree in therapeutic recreation, and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credentials. Familiarity with patient assessment tools, electronic health records, and program management software is often required. Leadership, creativity, and strong interpersonal communication skills help in motivating teams and engaging diverse patient populations. These competencies ensure effective therapy program development, improved patient outcomes, and cohesive staff collaboration.
What cities are hiring for Recreational Therapy Director jobs? Cities with the most Recreational Therapy Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreational Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Recreational Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Recreational Therapy Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreational Therapy Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapy Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,878 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Recreation Therapy Director - Child & Adolescent Psych

UHS

Savannah, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Universal Health Services rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

492nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Responsibilities

Recreation Therapy Director Opportunity

As a Recreation Therapy Director, you will directly supervise employees on the Recreational Staff in planning, organizing, and leading the recreation programs in a child and adolescent psychiatric facility.  This is a full-time, exempt opportunity that provides full benefits.

Coastal Harbor Health System is comprised of a 114-bed hospital for children and adolescents, providing both short- and long-term inpatient care, and a 50 bed inpatient hospital serving men and women, ages 18 and up. We offer compassionate patient care to those who need it the most, serving not only local patients, but also those located across the country. Our hospitals are conveniently located in beautiful, historic Savannah, GA in a quiet setting that provides unparalleled anonymity and privacy, enabling patients to concentrate on treatment.

The Recreation Therapy Director supervises the efforts of recreation therapists and coaches while planning and implementing recreational events designed to increase social skills, athletic ability, and self-esteem.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Directly supervise recreational staff employees, including training, planning, assigning, and directing work
  • Schedule students’ recreational time on an ongoing basis, providing them with creative activities that stay within the department budget
  • Ensure that adequate scheduling coverage is provided in accordance with schedule and needs of assigned patients

Benefit Highlights:

  • Challenging and rewarding work environment
  • Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
  • 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
  • SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
  • Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues were $13.4 billion in 2022. During the year, UHS was again recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune; and listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 94,000 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located all over the U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. www.uhs.com


Qualifications

Recreation Therapy Director Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy
  • Two years related experience or training
  • National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential preferred; Physical Fitness Trainer Certificate or Ceramic, Arts, and Crafts Teachers Certificate also considered
  • Experience in inpatient setting preferred

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success.

Notice

At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skillset and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. We take pride in creating a highly efficient and best in class candidate experience. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. The recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc. If you are suspicious of a job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, let us know by contacting us at: https://uhs.alertline.com or 1-800-852-3449

Qualifications:

Recreation Therapy Director Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy
  • Two years related experience or training
  • National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential preferred; Physical Fitness Trainer Certificate or Ceramic, Arts, and Crafts Teachers Certificate also considered
  • Experience in inpatient setting preferred

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success.

Notice

At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skillset and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. We take pride in creating a highly efficient and best in class candidate experience. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. The recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc. If you are suspicious of a job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, let us know by contacting us at: https://uhs.alertline.com or 1-800-852-3449

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Universal Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Health Services (UHS) is a major player in the healthcare industry, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Founded in 1978, UHS offers hospital and healthcare services. Their diverse services range from acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. The company's mission of enhancing the health and well-being of their patients is reflected in their commitment to 'Helping Individuals Live Longer, Healthier and Happier Lives'. Universal Health Services' consistent growth and success in their industry have been recognized on numerous occasions, including being ranked amongst the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US