Recreation Therapist

Company: New York State Office of Mental Health
Location: New York City
Posted on: March 27, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Recruiting Recreation Therapist for Manhattan Psychiatric Center Manhattan Psychiatric Center (MPC), an Office of Mental Health (OMH) Joint Commission accredited facility, is recruiting a Recreation Therapist to join their Transition to Home Unit (THU) team. The THU team provides a multi-disciplinary approach to care for individuals who have a history of homelessness. The goals of the THU team are to develop personalized treatment plans for active rehabilitation and reintegration to the community. The schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM with pass days of Saturday/Sunday. As a Recreation Therapist, you will plan activities for individuals with mental illness in the THU to help promote hope and recovery and integration back into the community; including: Planning, developing, and implementing recreational therapy groups including special events and holiday celebrations Organizing and maintaining recreation areas, equipment, and supplies Observing and recording individuals’ participation, progress, and responses and making recommendations to treatment plans as needed Completing required documentation, including participation in recreation activities and changes in behavior About MPC: MPC is a comprehensive, community-based mental health facility serving individuals who are 18 years or older, from the Manhattan and Greater NYC Region. MPC’s focus on evidence-based, person-centered, and culturally sensitive treatment helps their patient achieve their recovery goals. If you would like to join MPC and contribute to a workforce dedicated to public service, we offer the following benefits and opportunities: Access to tuition assistance programs Excellent opportunities for advancement & professional growth NYS medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off including vacation, holidays, personal, & sick leave New York State Retirement programs Free employee shuttle from 125th Street over the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge to MPC’s campus on Randall’s Island Minimum Qualifications: Candidates from outside or within State service may be considered for hire under the Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement - Statewide (NY HELPS) program if they have: Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation; or A bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Physical Education or Adaptive Physical Education and 1 year of experience in planning and administering a therapeutic recreation program which involved developing and coordinating therapeutic recreational activities for geriatric patients/residents, individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals with psychiatric disabilities, individuals that are physically challenged, or individuals in treatment for chemical dependency; or Current credentials as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) issued by the National Council For Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC); or Current licensure by NYS as a Creative Arts Therapist Additional Comments: The Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. OMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, OMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A critical component of these efforts is ensuring OMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees' unique attributes and skills are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. OMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@oer.ny.gov. Background checks are required. This position is eligible for a Downstate Adjustment of $4,000. Pay: $53,764.00 - $68,630.00 per year

Keywords: New York State Office of Mental Health, Union , Recreation Therapist, Healthcare , New York City, New Jersey