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Recreation Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : West Valley City, UT, 84120-2049
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 22.18-32.18 HOUR
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
You have a purpose, unique talents and now is the time to embrace it, live it and put it to work. We value incredible people with incredible skills – but your commitment to a greater cause is something we value even more. This is the heartbeat of our organization and your time will be spent in a supportive, team environment with resources to help you flourish and leaders who care about your success.
Directs the therapeutic recreation program. Conducts individual and group therapies using recreation as a tool for building healthier coping skills, better use of leisure time, etc. Assist the patient in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and coping with their mental illness.
Job Requirements
In addition to bringing humankindness to the workplace each day, qualified candidates will need the following:
Bachelor's or Graduate degree with an emphasis in Recreational Therapy (Therapeutic Recreation)
One year of experience in an acute care setting Previous mental health experience preferred Demonstrates clinical and ethical professionalism, conflict resolution and critical thinking skills
BLS
CTRS Certification
Licensed as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRC) with the State of UT.
Medium Work - exert/lift up to 50 lbs. force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. constantly
Where You'll WorkWe believe in the healing power of humanity and serving the common good through our dedicated work and shared mission to celebrate humankindness.
As one of the busiest ERs in Utah, Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley West is known for offering a broad spectrum of medical services and specialty clinics to care for the diverse healthcare needs of our growing community. We are on a mission to provide the highest quality health care services with compassion and respect and demonstrate this daily with proactive, focused, caring interactions that comfort, inform and promote healing among patients, families, and co-workers. We believe in doing what’s right. We treat our employees fairly, work hard, use resources wisely, and are constantly striving to improve the quality and safety of care we deliver to our patients. We offer a Level III trauma center, STEMI cardiac receiving center, Certified stroke treatment center, and orthopedics specializing in helping athletes recover from sports related injuries.
Salt Lake City, UT
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Frequently asked questions
In Utah, Recreation Therapists must hold a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) license recognized by the state. Additionally, certification like CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) and current BLS (Basic Life Support) credentials bolster eligibility and compliance with local healthcare standards.
Recreation Therapists design and lead therapeutic programs focused on mental health recovery, requiring clinical judgment and individualized care plans. In contrast, Recreation Therapy Assistants support these activities, often handling logistic and facilitation tasks without the same level of clinical responsibility.
Career progression often moves toward supervisory roles like Recreation Program Coordinator or specialized therapeutic positions within healthcare. Gaining experience in mental health settings and further certifications can open doors to leadership or clinical educator roles in Utah's healthcare facilities.
West Valley City has a steady demand for Recreation Therapists, especially within hospitals like Catholic Health Initiatives. While competition exists, candidates with acute care experience and state licensure have a distinct advantage due to the growing emphasis on therapeutic recreation in mental health.
Recreation Therapists in West Valley City typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, with Catholic Health Initiatives offering competitive compensation aligned with regional healthcare standards and additional benefits reflecting their mission-driven culture.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, Recreation Therapists play a vital role by using therapeutic recreation to enhance mental health recovery, supporting patients through tailored activities that promote coping skills and healthier lifestyles, aligning with the organization's focus on compassion and humankindness.
Yes, Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes supportive work environments where new Recreation Therapists receive guidance from experienced leaders, fostering professional growth and ensuring effective integration into interdisciplinary care teams within their busy acute care settings.
This role involves medium physical activity, including occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, and frequent handling of lighter loads. Therapists actively facilitate group activities and individual sessions, requiring stamina and mobility to engage patients effectively.
Patients coping with disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic mental illnesses often show improvement through recreation therapy. These interventions help develop healthy coping mechanisms and encourage positive leisure habits essential in acute care environments.
Hospital settings like Holy Cross Hospital in West Valley City lead in hiring due to their acute care focus and multidisciplinary teams. Community wellness centers offer opportunities but typically fewer positions, making hospitals the primary employment hub for skilled Recreation Therapists locally.