Recreational Therapist (CPEP) | NYP-CUIMC | Full-Time | Day Flex

Recreational Therapist – CPEP (Psychiatric Inpatient and Emergency)

NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Shift: Days (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday)

At NewYork-Presbyterian, our Rehabilitation teams play a vital role in supporting patients across the continuum of care. Join us as a Recreational Therapist and bring meaningful, patient-centered programming to individuals during critical moments in their behavioral health journey.

Under the guidance of the Manager performs all recreational therapy duties. This is a professional position with no supervisory responsibilities.

About This Role

This position will primarily be focused on the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) on the main campus NYP/Columbia. This unique position was created to help provide activities for patients in CPEP awaiting placement in Inpatient Psychiatry. In this role the CTRS will utilize goal directed activities for patients (individual and group treatment) and facilitate discussions on recreation, leisure and coping strategies. In addition, there may be a need to develop and implement customized behavioral management programs for individuals with Developmental Disabilities and/or Autism. The CTRS is an integral part of a multidisciplinary team in CPEP including Psychiatrists, RNs, NPs and SWs and they will also participate in daily rounds with the team.

This is a full-time position, for day shift, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mondays–Fridays, with coverage on weekends and holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Assesses the leisure needs of the patient population, setting specific treatment goals and formulating individualized activity plans.
• Plans and leads therapeutic recreation interventions and structured group activities.
• Develops group protocols with defined purpose, structure, and goals.
• Documents patient participation and progress in accordance with departmental standards.
• Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and collaborates with care teams to support patient outcomes.
• Assists with program development, supplies management, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Supports the training and supervision of Therapeutic Recreation students.

Required Criteria

• Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation.
• National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) within one year of hire.

Preferred Criteria

• Minimum of 2 years experience in Inpatient Psychiatry or Psychiatric Emergency Department.
• Experience creating and implementing individualized behavioral management programs for individuals with Developmental Disabilities and/or Autism.
• Master’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field.

Why Join NewYork-Presbyterian?

• Be part of a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary behavioral health team
• Make a direct impact on patients during critical points in care
• Work in a dynamic, mission-driven academic medical center
• Opportunities for professional growth and continued learning