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Therapeutic recreation specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted experts

Holly Eichner Ph.D.,

Dr. Jon McChesney

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical therapeutic recreation specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for therapeutic recreation specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 24.9% of therapeutic recreation specialist resumes contained patients as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a therapeutic recreation specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 therapeutic recreation specialist skills for your resume and career

1. Patients

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use patients:

Performed initial evaluation of patients to determine specific goals for individuals with traumatic brain or spinal cord injury.
Participated in weekly community outings to assist patients in building independence in community mobility/coping & adjustment/leisure education.

2. CTRS

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use ctrs:

Attend meetings including CTRS meetings, Treatment Planning, Hospital Trainings, etc.
Covered for the staff CTRS on days off Conducted evaluations on leisure activity Implemented treatment based on assessment Documented in medical records

3. Interdisciplinary

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use interdisciplinary:

Participated in interdisciplinary meetings that reviewed resident care plans and created necessary documentation for follow-up and future review.
Supervised design and implementation of new Therapeutic Recreation program, was part of an interdisciplinary team.

4. Rehabilitation

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use rehabilitation:

Specialized in sports related therapeutic rehabilitation
Developed unit satisfaction/exit survey for statistical data used to monitor unit productivity, effectiveness and customer satisfaction of Inpatient Rehabilitation services.

5. Recreation Therapy

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use recreation therapy:

Created core recreation therapy programs & personal physical fitness plans for chemically dependent adolescents & adults.
Facilitated recreation therapy treatment plan meetings and documented individualized treatment plans and progress notes.

6. Mental Health

Mental health is the state of wellbeing in which an individual can cope with the regular stresses and tensions of life, and can work productively without having any emotional or psychological breakdown. Mental health is essential for a person of any age and helps them make the right decisions in their life.

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use mental health:

Work in a rehab module mental health and substance abuse clinic with economically and socially disadvantage population.
Serve adults/geriatrics/veterans/children with various mental health disorders.

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7. CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is a medical procedure that involves chest compression to help a patient breathe. This artificial ventilation helps in keeping the brain function in place and regulates blood throughout the body. CPR is a lifesaving procedure that is used in emergencies.

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use cpr:

Be ready for a medical emergency with CPR and First Aid training and knowing when to call 911.
Teach Lifeguard Training, AED certification, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Springboard Diving and Swimming lessons.

8. Leisure Education

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use leisure education:

Developed and coordinated recreational activities to facilitate treatment, leisure education and recreation participation in a clinical setting.
Initiated community reintegration through leisure education and utilization of community resources both in nature and man-made.

9. Substance Abuse

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use substance abuse:

Organized a therapeutic recreation program for the acute adolescent psychiatric/substance abuse unit.
Educate persons with psychotic disorders and substance abuse history on healthy coping habits.

10. Acute Care

The branch of secondary healthcare which is responsible for giving short-term care to patients recovering from severe injuries or urgent medical problems is known as acute care. Acute care comprises multiple domains like; emergency care, urgent care, short-term stabilization, pre-hospital care, critical care, and trauma care.

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use acute care:

Provided therapeutic recreation activities for Restorative Care/Long Term Acute Care Units.
Developed and led specially designed programs for people with mental illnesses and disabilities in acute care psychiatric setting.

11. Therapeutic Recreation Programs

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use therapeutic recreation programs:

Assist TR Coordinator with program planning and organization for therapeutic recreation programs.
Assisted in supervising volunteers involved in Therapeutic Recreation programs.

12. Adaptive

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use adaptive:

Provided teaching and education to children and families on adaptive recreation to encourage full recreation participation.
Collaborated with staff to secure and utilize adaptive equipment during programming and transportation.

13. Mental Illness

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use mental illness:

Provided therapeutic recreation programming to court ordered adults, adolescents and children with dual diagnosis and/or mental illness.
Plan and implement a variety of therapeutic recreation activities for individuals with mental illness.

14. Community Outings

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use community outings:

Planned and implemented Therapeutic Recreation facilitated groups, community outings, and special events.
Organize, plan and implement weekly community outings to promote community reintegration and education.

15. Developmental Disabilities

Here's how therapeutic recreation specialists use developmental disabilities:

Planned and implemented various individual and group therapeutic activities for children with developmental disabilities and chronic health conditions.
Work as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for people with physical and developmental disabilities.

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What skills help Therapeutic Recreation Specialists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What therapeutic recreation specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Holly Eichner Ph.D.

Program Director, University of Toledo

Do not be afraid to negotiate and do your research. Understand the market and the area you are applying to as well as what other Recreational Therapists are making. Some employers pay better than others, so if salary is important seek out those areas of practice. Also ask about the growth potential of the position. Many healthcare systems offer step increases or raises as well as a variety of benefits that you should consider in your decision.

What type of skills will young therapeutic recreation specialists need?

Dr. Jon McChesney

Department Chair & Graduate Coordinator, Eastern Kentucky University

Recreation is at the core of a social profession, thus demanding the need for social intelligence and a relationship orientation for graduates. The need for connection is perhaps greater than at any time in our history, given the loneliness epidemic, the increase in depression, and suicide. Professionals need to be mindful of the issues facing our country and demonstrate sensitivity and appreciation for diversity and cultural agility. Creativity, innovation, and adaptability to change will continue to be important as recreation is forced to evolve in a Covid-19 world and beyond.

Do you want to know more?

List of therapeutic recreation specialist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a therapeutic recreation specialist resume and required skills for a therapeutic recreation specialist to have include:

Patients
CTRS
Interdisciplinary
Rehabilitation
Recreation Therapy
Mental Health
CPR
Leisure Education
Substance Abuse
Acute Care
Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Adaptive
Mental Illness

Community Outings
Developmental Disabilities
Treatment Programs
Therapeutic Recreation
Community Integration
Discharge Summaries
MDS
Community Resources
Therapeutic Interventions
Discharge Planning
Eating Disorders
Group Therapy Sessions
Patient Assessment

Alzheimer
Treatment Interventions
Leisure Interests
Physical Disabilities
Olympics
Stress Management
Relaxation Techniques
Community Re-Entry
Social Interaction
Anger Management
Dementia Care

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Skills

Updated January 8, 2025

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