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Recreational Therapist - Inpatient Rehab
Company : Select Medical
Location : Saddle Brook, NJ, 07663
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Overview
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation Position: Recreational Therapist - Inpatient RehabLocation: Saddle Brook, NJSchedule: Per Diem/PRN
Compensation: $32/hr+ Shift Differential
Our inpatient rehabilitation hospital is committed to providing exceptional and compassionate care to best address the medical, physical, emotional, and vocational challenges for individuals with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, orthopedic issues, amputation, and multiple traumas.
Why Join Us:
- Start Strong: Extensive and thorough orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into our setting.
- Invest in Your Future: Company-matching 401(k) retirement plan (Part-Time or Per Diem, are eligible for 401k based on reaching 1,000 hours within their first anniversary or subsequent calendar year)
- Opportunity for Advancement: Demonstrate your skills and dedication, which could lead to potential full-time opportunities
- Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 committed to providing exceptional patient care
Responsibilities
The Recreational Therapist plans and implements appropriate recreation activities for patients in accordance with guidelines set by the organization, hospital and the profession. Responsible for provision of therapeutic recreation intervention for an assigned caseload. Ensures all patients are oriented to recreation therapy and provides hospital wide leisure, social and divergent programs. Serves as an educator to patients on community resources.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements:
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) required.
- Baccalaureate Degree in Therapeutic Recreation required.
- Certified Basic Life Support (BLS) or completion in first 90 days of employment is required.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in Acute Rehab preferred
Per Diem Requirement: Two (8 HR) shifts per month. At least one of those a weekend and one high need day (week day, weekend, or holiday).
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
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Frequently asked questions
In Saddle Brook, NJ, employers highly prioritize a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential alongside a Baccalaureate degree in therapeutic recreation. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is also essential, often required within the first 90 days, reflecting local standards in inpatient rehab physical therapy jobs.
Saddle Brook and nearby areas exhibit steady demand for recreational therapists in inpatient rehab due to the region’s aging population and prevalence of neurological and orthopedic conditions. Job seekers face moderate competition, especially for per diem roles like those at Select Medical’s Kessler Institute, where specialized experience is a plus.
Daily tasks include designing and leading therapeutic recreation activities tailored to patients recovering from brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, and other conditions. Therapists also educate patients about community resources and coordinate leisure programs that support physical and emotional rehab goals.
Absolutely. Select Medical encourages growth by recognizing skill development and dedication. Starting as per diem, recreational therapists who consistently demonstrate expertise may find pathways towards full-time employment and expanded responsibilities within their inpatient rehab teams.
Select Medical offers a comprehensive orientation and emphasizes compassionate care for complex rehab cases like brain injuries. Their per diem roles come with benefits like company-matching 401(k) plans after 1,000 hours, which is somewhat rare for part-time rehab therapy jobs in the area.
Select Medical fosters a collaborative environment valuing patient-centered care and professional growth. Recreational therapists benefit from structured onboarding and access to a large network of healthcare professionals, enhancing their impact on patient recovery journeys in inpatient rehab.
Per diem recreational therapists in Saddle Brook typically earn around $32 per hour, plus shift differentials. This aligns with regional inpatient rehab physical therapy salaries, reflecting the specialized skills required to support patients with neurological and orthopedic rehab needs.
Yes, therapists often engage with regional support groups, outpatient therapy centers, and vocational rehabilitation services. Familiarity with New Jersey’s local healthcare networks enhances patient education and transition planning from inpatient to community-based rehab programs.
Strong communication, creative activity planning, and clinical knowledge of neurological and orthopedic conditions set apart top performers. Adaptability to diverse patient needs and a solid grasp of therapeutic recreation principles are essential to delivering effective inpatient rehab care.
The per diem role offers flexibility, requiring at least two shifts monthly including weekends or high-need days. This schedule supports therapists seeking part-time work while maintaining professional involvement in a dynamic inpatient rehab environment.