Recreational Therapist

The Recreational Therapist designs and implements a variety of activity therapies focusing on individualized needs with the specific objective of fostering effective interactions, enhance coping skills, cognitive functioning, reality orientation, and prioritizing independence in caring for self.

The Recreational Therapist’s decisions and actions with patients and families are determined in an ethical manner, practicing compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and unique attributes of each person.  Effectively communicate with patients/families, visitors, colleagues, physicians, leadership, and volunteers. All areas of practice and care delivery are provided to achieve and maintain top decile results and outcomes for patient experience, quality, and patient safety. The Recreational Therapist follows and adheres to UNC Health Appalachian policies and procedures, regulatory requirements, and standards of behavior. The LRT/CTRS practices within the requirements of the NC Recreational Therapy Licensure Act.

The Recreational Therapist demonstrates the UNC Health Appalachian Mission, Vision, and Values in action and approaches work in a way that reflects a bias for action, efficiency, and personal accountability. The Recreational Therapist demonstrates professional conduct, effective communication, and effective delegation of tasks. Effectively and professionally manages working relationships with coworkers, physicians, and all UNC Health Appalachian team members in a way that promotes a healthy work environment. Responds quickly and accurately to emergencies in the work environment and/or to changes in patient condition. Performs duties under general supervision. Always assists coworkers, patients, families, and visitors regardless of the patient assignment, so long as the assistance is in-line with their scope of practice and license.

Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. 

Position Qualifications

• The position involves direct contact with patients and exposure to bodily fluids. 
• The work environment is a healthcare setting, which may include exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials. 
• The role requires adherence to standard precautions and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Requires flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 

The Perks and Benefits:  

• Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals who share a passion for delivering high-quality care. 
• Professional development: We offer ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement, including tuition reimbursement and participation in our progressive Career Pathways Program. 
• Impactful work: Help ensure patient safety and contribute directly to positive patient outcomes in our community. 
• Location perks: Boone, North Carolina, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offers exceptional outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. Enjoy great shopping, fine dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville. 
• Top-tier community: Boone boasts a top-rated North Carolina public school system and is home to Appalachian State University. Recognized as a top destination by Forbes, Southern Living, and Niche, Boone is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike. 
• Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position.  
• Comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA.  
• Supplemental insurance to include short and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, legal insurance, etc.  
• Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.  
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.  
• Paid time off - front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire) - paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. Cash out option also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria. 
• Paid parental leave - qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child - to be taken consecutively.  
• Employee wellness program - Love Your Life - award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees. Employees enrolled on the organization's health plan can enroll with our health screening (biometrics and labs) and earn program incentives. Employees who are not enrolled on the organization's health plan can participate in online wellness activities for a chance to earn quarterly prize drawings. 
• Employee to Employee (E2E) program - Caring for our own. Employee program that is solely funded by voluntary employee donations. The money is used to financially assist co-workers that are experiencing unexpected financial hardship.  
• Additional employee perks include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).  
• Take a virtual tour of our new Schaefer Family Patient Care Tower by clicking here. 

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org. 

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us. 

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

#IND123