Recreational Therapist

As of June 1, 2023, the new salary range will be $38,516 - $57,775. 

Due to Covid-19, this position is designated Mandatory and must report and/or stay over during this time.  Once the Covid-19 crisis has ended, this position will return to its original designation of Non-Mandatory during adverse weather events.

"As of January 1, 2025, the salary range will be $39,864 - $59,797".

Prior applicants will remain under consideration and do not need to reapply.

 Positions #60090754, 65021084 & 60090751

The primary purpose of this position is to provide Recreational Therapy Services for patients throughout the hospital.  This position is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments; planning and implementing Recreational Therapy programs and interventions; and assisting treatment teams in developing individualized treatment plan.  This position monitors and documents the patient’s response, participation, performance, and progress towards goals identified in the comprehensive treatment plan. This position may also serve on a variety of hospital wide committees and work groups; assist with the Recreational Therapy Clinical Internship Program; and provide exercise-based programs to adult and/or geriatric patients.

The NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, with approximately 18,000 employees.  DHHS manages the delivery of health- and human-related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable citizens – children, elderly, disabled and low-income families. 

  Cherry Hospital (CH) is a State-of-the-Art psychiatric hospital located in a beautiful rural area of Goldsboro, NC.  Although rural, Cherry Hospital is convenient to the Triangle Area (Raleigh/Durham) and the coastal region of the state. It is about an hour's drive to the heart of Raleigh or the beautiful coastal town of New Bern.

  Mission Statement

To provide excellent psychiatric care to individuals with

 the greatest need and the least resources.

 Cherry Hospital serves the 38 most eastern counties of North Carolina with a mission to serve those with the greatest need and the fewest resources.   In earnest efforts to follow our mission, we strive to create a healing environment in which every team member has opportunity to positively impact the lives of those around them and the individuals we serve. Learn more about our facility at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/dsohf/cherry-hospital.    In addition to a very competitive salary, this opportunity offers an excellent benefits package, loan repayment opportunities, employment stability and rewarding professional opportunities. 

To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Qualified applicants must document on the application that they possess all of the following: 

• Experience in planning and implementing recreational therapy interventions in 1:1 and group settings.

• Knowledge in developing and implementing active treatment modalities (examples include leisure education, cognitive thought process, exercise, social skills, problem solving, copings skills, etc.).

· Ability to accurately administer a variety of assessment tools, develop treatment plans, and evaluate patient progress.

· Ability to articulate the philosophy, goals, and strategies of recreational therapy.

· Ability to perform accurate and thorough record-keeping is required.

· Ability to instruct and guide student interns, subordinate staff members, and other professional personnel in recreation therapy methods and techniques.

Management Preferences:

Prefer internship and/or work experience in a psychiatric setting.

Prefer work experience in Recreation Therapy or related field.

Prefer strong interest, background and experience in exercise and physical activity.

Licensed to practice recreational therapy by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure (LRT)

Nationally certified to practice by National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (CTRS)

Physical Requirements:

Physical activity is required for teaching various exercise groups in 45-minute sessions.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience”. If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience OR a combination of both.  See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details. 

Degrees must be from appropriately accredited colleges or universities.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Positions in the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal record background checks. Also, the use of tobacco products of any kind including vapor products are prohibited from our campuses. All employees are required to adhere to the facility's Vaccination Policy.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. You will either receive a call to schedule an interview or an email notifying you when the job has been filled.

For technical issues with your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627. Applicants will be communicated with via email only for updates on the status of their application. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact HR at 919-947-7478.

Salary : $38,516 - $57,775