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Recreational Therapist

The Hope Source, Indianapolis, IN, United States


Indianapolis, United States | Posted on 04/24/2026
Since 2007, The Hope Source has been providing cutting edge, trauma-responsive therapies for ASD. With the launch of its outpatient clinic, HeartSOS, The Hope Source is committed to providing innovative, person-centered services that empower individuals to achieve their therapeutic goals. Our HeartSOS Waiver Services integrate a multi-disciplinary approach to therapy, focusing on physical health improvement, emotional resilience, self-confidence development, community engagement, emotional expression, cognitive stimulation, motor skill development, and stress/anxiety reduction. We are seeking passionate and dedicated Recreational Therapists to join our team.

Position Overview:

As a Recreational Therapist with HeartSOS Waiver Services, you will play a vital role in helping our clients achieve their health and wellness goals through therapeutic activities. You will design and implement personalized recreation programs that foster physical health, emotional well-being, and social engagement. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a dynamic environment, has a passion for the outdoors, fitness and sports, and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement individualized therapy programs tailored to each client’s physical, emotional, and cognitive needs

Facilitate sessions using various techniques related to recreation (e.g., nature exploration, sports, and/or games and crafts) for a just-right challenge

Assess clients’ abilities, interests, and needs to create engaging and therapeutic experiences in individual or group settings

Monitor and document clients’ progress, adjusting activities and goals as necessary to ensure successful outcomes

Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team, including behavior consultants, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers, to provide holistic care

Educate clients and their families on the benefits of music/recreational therapy and encourage participation in community-based activities outside of sessions

Ensure the safety and well-being of all clients during activities by following established protocols and guidelines

Stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in recreational therapy to continually enhance program offerings

Promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all clients

Requirements

Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification is required

Minimum of 2 years of experience in recreational therapy, preferably working with individuals with disabilities or special needs

Strong understanding of recreational therapy methods and their applications to improve client functioning and independence as related to their needs

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Passion for helping others and a commitment to improving clients’ quality of life

Competitive salary based on experience

Professional development and continuing education opportunities

Supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance

The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of clients through innovative therapy practices

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