Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Location: Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
Job Type: Full-Time (Shift Work Required)
Pay: $21.00 – $25.00 per hour

Overview

Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers (DTAC) is seeking a dedicated and clinically driven Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to support our residential treatment program for female adolescents ages 12–17.

This role offers the opportunity to use recreation as a therapeutic intervention, helping youth build healthy coping skills, improve social functioning, and achieve long-term success in a structured, trauma-informed environment.

Why Join DTAC

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adolescent girls
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary treatment environment
• Use recreation as a clinical tool to support healing and growth
• Join a well-established organization committed to quality care and outcomes

Position Summary

The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist works as part of the interdisciplinary treatment team to develop and implement structured, trauma-informed recreational programming. This role is essential in promoting emotional regulation, social skills development, and positive behavioral change.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all clients
• Conduct functional baseline assessments to identify client strengths and needs
• Develop and implement individualized and group recreation treatment plans
• Plan and facilitate on-site and off-site recreational activities
• Co-facilitate psychoeducational and skills-based groups
• Support adherence to clinical models, including DBT-A
• Model appropriate coping skills, communication, and emotional regulation
• Maintain accurate documentation, including progress notes and incident reports
• Collaborate with therapists, leadership, and treatment team members
• Transport clients to appointments when required
• Maintain professional boundaries and ensure HIPAA compliance
• Participate in scheduled shift coverage, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years of therapeutic recreation or related experience
  OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation
  OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field with residential programming experience
• Active CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) credential
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
• Strong documentation, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to pass required background clearances

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience working in residential treatment settings
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles
• Familiarity with clinical models such as DBT-A
• Experience facilitating therapeutic and psychoeducational groups

Requirements

• Commitment to maintaining sight-line supervision standards
• Completion of required documentation with high accuracy
• Compliance with all training and regulatory requirements
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Program

Work Location

This is an in-person role based in Cranberry Township, PA (16066). Candidates must be able to reliably commute.

Apply Today

If you are a motivated professional who believes in the power of therapeutic recreation to transform lives, we encourage you to apply and join a team committed to making a measurable difference.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable laws.