Develop and facilitate diverse recreation programs to improve the self-esteem and social interaction skills of youth in residential treatment. Coordinate campus activities, maintain equipment, and document resident progress within an electronic medical record system.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy and CTRS certification or eligibility. Must have experience working with youth and the physical ability to perform interventions and lift up to 100 pounds.
For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C.
Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems.
At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org Program Overview: Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges.
These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting.
A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations).
Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.
Position Overview: Our Recreation Therapy Specialists work with young people in a residential setting to develop their abilities to interact with others in a team and increase their self-esteem.
An ideal Recreation Therapy Specialist is creative, enthusiastic and can come up with new and innovative games and activities to keep the residents engaged, all while building confidence in their abilities and promoting their teamwork skills.
Benefits
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Medical
Dental
Vision
401(k)
Paid Vacation
Tuition Reimbursement
Mileage Reimbursement
Prescription Drug Coverage
Paid Sick Days
Cell Phone Reimbursement
Licensure Supervision
Continuous Training
Clinical and Administrative Advancement Opportunities
Recreation Therapy Specialists facilitate groups with the youth on a daily basis and coordinate additional activities for the campus.
Essential
Duties and Responsibilities
The Recreation Therapy Specialist: Develops and facilitates recreation programs (including but not limited to music, dance, arts and crafts, cultural arts, nature study, swimming, social recreation and games, camping, etc.) Promotes life skills training through therapeutic activities Promotes and coordinates participation in clubs and organizations (including but not limited to student council, intramural sports leagues, other volunteer activities, etc.) Works with the residential treatment team to ensure that recreation is well-balanced, scheduled appropriately, and integrated with special services Maintains recreation equipment and consults with leadership for replacement of depleted equipment Oversees the use of canoeing and high ropes courses equipment and resident participation on applicable campus Oversees initial recreational assessment upon intake (within 14 days) Introduces and trains Youth Villages staff on new program activities, equipment, and materials Completes daily documentation (such as contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR) Performs other duties as assigned
Additional Information
The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility. Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds. Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation. Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license. Schedule is flexible and may require some weekend hours.
Salary
$50,000-57,000 per year based on education and certification
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy (required) Must have or be eligible for CTRS certification (required) Experience working with at-risk youth (preferred) Experience working with youth (required) Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Basic computer knowledge Ability to maintain a flexible schedule Youth Villages Benefits
Medical,
Dental,
Prescription
Drug
Coverage and
Vision 401(k)
Time off: 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time) 12 paid sick days per year 11 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable) Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision Growth & development through continuous training Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities *Benefits are excluded for variable status employees. Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. Youth Villages® is a national leader in mental and behavioral health committed to finding the most effective solutions to help children, families and young adults overcome obstacles and live successfully. Working through direct services, partnerships with innovative public agencies and advocacy, we collaborate to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health and justice systems. Our 4,500 employees serve more than 43,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 26 states and the District of Columbia. Youth Villages has been recognized by the Harvard Business School and U.S. News & World Report and was identified by The White House as one of the nation’s most promising results-oriented nonprofit organizations.
In Tennessee, recreation therapy specialist roles are often tied to behavioral health, rehabilitation, and youth-serving settings, where employers look for candidates who can deliver structured therapeutic activities and document outcomes. These positions can be competitive because they require both CTRS credentials or eligibility and the physical ability to support hands-on interventions, including lifting up to 100 pounds. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm how your youth experience and certification status match the posting before applying.
