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Recreational Therapist- Forensic 6 Unit- Utah State Hospital



Ready to use games, sports, and arts to fuel healing? Join the Utah State Hospital as a Recreational Therapist on our Adult Services Forensic 6 Unit and make a direct impact on the physical, social, and emotional well-being of our residents.

 Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be licensed as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) or Master Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (MTRS) with the UTAH Division of Occupational Professional Licensing (DOPL).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Has professional work experience in a direct patient care setting for mentally ill patients or clients.
  • Is enthusiastic, flexible, and willing to try things they haven't done before.
  • Has experience working with the intellectually disabled populationhas a good foundation of knowledge on how to write programs and goals for those with recreational needs.
  • Has credentials of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

Principle Duties
  • Preparing and performing recreational therapy assessments.
  • Implementing recreational therapy activities and programs.
  • Functionally supervise and train staff to assist with recreational activities.
  • Maintaining records to comply with federal requirements.
  • Writing reports indicative of progress or regression of the individuals.
  • Adapting program(s) to meet specific needs or concerns.
  • Assess activity needs such as staffing, training, security, etc.
  • Monitoring cases to ensure that treatment plans are being followed.
  • Discussing results, findings and/or recommendations with appropriate parties.
  • Acting as a resource to team members, participates in team and professional meetings and gives input as to the needs of clients.

Why You Should Join Our Team

This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to apply your specialized skills in a mission-driven environment. You will be a valued member of a team dedicated to supporting one of Utah's most important healthcare institutions. In addition to a competitive salary, the State of Utah provides a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family.
  • Health Insurance: Multiple medical plan options, including a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Opt-out cash benefit available.
  • Dental & Vision: Multiple dental and vision plan options available.
  • Paid Leave: Accrue 4 hours of annual leave and 4 hours of sick leave per pay period, with accrual rates increasing with state longevity. 12 paid holidays per year.
  • Retirement: A generous 10% employer contribution to your Utah Retirement Systems (URS) account (Tier II). Options include a Pension/401(k) Hybrid Plan or a Defined Contribution Plan.
To review the full benefits summary and access a Total Compensation Calculator, please visit the main state benefits page here.

Additional Benefits: 

  • Access to a UTA Bus Pass.

  • Beautiful campus near the Wasatch mountains.

  • Cafeteria on site with meals, snacks and drinks available for purchase.

  • Access to comfort rooms while on campus, and as well as other mental wellness benefits.

  • Access to the Utah State Hospital Disc Golf Course.


The Agency
Utah State Hospital provides a safe and healing environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect. It is our purpose to assist patients to reach their potential, through individualized treatment, with a high value being placed on meeting the needs of each patient in a humanistic, caring and professional manner. You can find more information about the Utah State Hospital here.

Qualifications

  • Licensure as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in Utah.
  • Follows all practices and requirements of the Recreational Therapy Practice Act and the Recreational Therapy Practice Rule.
  • Identify developmental needs of others and coach, mentor, or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • Evaluate treatment effectiveness.
  • Speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally.
  • Oversee the appropriate use of equipment and facilities.
  • Maintain and/or repair tools and equipment.
  • Ability to observe details at close range and at a distance.
  • Ability to observe physical conditions, behavior or surroundings for potential areas of concern or inappropriate activity.
  • Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
  • Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
  • Division of Human Resource Management rules and Department of Health and Human Services policies regarding promotions and transfers apply to current employees.
  • The Utah State Hospital is a smoke free environment.  No tobacco or E-cigarette use is allowed on campus.  
  • Only applicants that meet minimum qualifications will be contacted.
  • Utah State Hospital employees must pass both pre-employment and routine background checks.
  • Preference may be given to current Utah State Hospital employees.
Date Posted
12/17/2025
Job Reference
47347
Organization
250 Health & Human Services
Location
Utah County, UT
Category
Mental Health/Social Services
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