Recreational Therapist

Recreational Therapist

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $29.56 - $29.56 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Angie Rhodes | arhodes@utah.gov |
Application Deadline – 6/20/2026

Key Responsibilities

*This position is open until filled and may close at any time*

Job Description

The Department of Health and Human Services- Correctional Health Services Division is looking for a compassionate, energetic person to fill our Recreational Therapist position. Join our staff who are dedicated to maintaining the physical, social and emotional well-being of the offenders that reside at our Utah State Correctional Facility.

• Must have and maintain national certification and state licensure requirements.
• Preparing and performing recreational therapy assessments
• Implementing evidenced-based recreational therapy programs
• Maintaining documentation to comply with licensure, state, and federal requirements
• Engage with administrative processes to encourage recreation and leisure programs within the department.

Ideal Candidate

• Is passionate about the need of recreational therapy for diverse populations including: all genders, mentally ill, substance use, geriatric, offenders.
• Has strong boundaries.
• Is enthusiastic, flexible, and willing to try things they haven't done before
• Has some experience in the recreational therapy field including internships
• Has a good foundation of knowledge on how to write programs and goals for those with recreational needs

An offer of employment will be contingent on the applicant successfully passing a DHHS background check, pre-employment drug testing, and a Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) background screening.

• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
• Licensure as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in Utah.

Qualifications

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:

• Maintain Licensure as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in Utah
• Maintain credentials as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with NCTRC.
• Follows all practices and requirements of the Recreational Therapy Practice Act and the Recreational Therapy Practice Rule
• Identify developmental needs of clients and coach, mentor, or otherwise help clients to improve their knowledge, skills and abilities
• Evaluate treatment effectiveness
• Speak clearly, concisely and effectively; actively listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally
• Oversee the appropriate use of equipment, facilities
• Maintain and/or repair tools and equipment
• Ability to observe details at close range and at a distance.
• Ability to observe physical conditions, behavior or surroundings for potential areas of concern or inappropriate activity.
• Ability to hear sounds that may indicate potential areas of concern or inappropriate activity.

About the Role

Location –
1480 N 8000 W
Salt Lake City, UT, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – Yes
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
For more information on Correctional Health Services, please visit our website.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.