Recreational Therapy Intern

Application Deadlines

Challenge Alaska will accept applications from therapeutic recreation interns who have completed an undergraduate/graduate degree in recreational therapy. Our internships are designed to be compliant with NCTRC standards.

Summer Internship Dates: June – September 2026

Interviews begin February 2, 2026, for applications received by that date. Interviews will continue to be available as time allows and as positions remain available.

Fall Internship Dates: September – December 2026

Interviews begin June 8, 2026, for applications received by that date. Interviews will continue to be available as time allows and as positions remain available.

Winter Internship Dates: January – April 2026

Interviews begin September 2, 2025, for applications received by that date. Interviews will continue to be available as time allows and as positions remain available.

To apply, visit challengealaska.org/work and download the application and instructions.

Jeff Dick, CTRS

jeff@challengealaska.org

If you have questions, please read through this manual first, then contact: Jeff Dick  jeff@challengealaska.org

(907) 244-2269

In accordance with the requirements of the Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Challenge Alaska does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities based on disability in its services, programs or activities. Reasonable Accommodations will be provided upon request, free of charge.

INTERNSHIP STRUCTURE

Having opportunities to apply classroom learning in a professional setting is a vital aspect of preparing for a career in therapeutic recreation. Salt Lake County Adaptive is committed to providing students with practical learning experiences under the direction of Nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) in a community environment.

Internship Goals

1.   Provide the intern with hands-on training and experience in several adaptive recreation activities, including the use and care of adaptive equipment, adaptive activity facilitation techniques, and exposure to a range of disability populations.

2.   Provide the intern with professional opportunities to observe and participate in all aspects of therapeutic recreation programming, including assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, documentation, and therapeutic relationships.

3.   Provide the intern with professional opportunities to observe and participate in all aspects of therapeutic recreation program administration, including but not limited to program development, marketing, public relations, outreach, volunteer coordination, fundraising, grant writing, statistics tracking, registration, special events, and equipment maintenance.

4.   Prepare the intern for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam.

5.   Provide the intern with multiple opportunities that are difficult to quantify but provide immeasurable experience and teach skills that are unique to the agency and populations served.

Intern Job Description

The intern’s role in this organization is to assist in all aspects of programs and administration. He/she will be supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), while performing various job tasks as outlined by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Based on experience, the intern may also serve in a leadership role, as a program leader or site supervisor. The intern will also provide information on current trends in therapeutic recreation services by preparing presentations for the agency’s staff. The internship will include a stipend.

SUPERVISOR: Full time CTRS on staff

SALARY: $3,000 stipend for term of internship

EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION: Temporary, non-permanent (14-16 weeks)

PRE-INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

1.   Respond to internship offer with acceptance letter acknowledging:

·       beginning and ending dates

·       a statement of expectations (intern goals)

2.   Verify that your college/university has a legal agreement with Challenge Alaska.

3.   Complete all requirements for your college/university.

4.   You must pass a background check to be eligible to intern with Challenge Alaska. You will also need to participate in SafeSport training and provide a certificate of completion from the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Qualifications:

Completion of core Recreational Therapy Coursework (topics including the therapeutic process, assessment, program planning, leadership, etc.). Current adult, child & infant AED/CPR and First Aid certification. Basic computer skills and good written and oral communication skills. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to be approved by the agency’s automobile insurer. Able to drive full size passenger van and operate wheelchair lift independently. Must be able to read, and effectively communicate in written and spoken words. Must successfully pass a comprehensive online background check. Must possess the ability to travel at least 2 miles both on and off-road independently, and to lift at least 35 pounds from floor to chest height. Must be able to supervise groups of up to 10 effectively while establishing/maintaining professional boundaries. Can deal with behavioral and/or medical crises effectively and respectfully. Must be comfortable working with groups of youth and adults with disabilities in various settings, with direct and indirect supervision. Must comply with all NCTRC Standards of Practice and ATRA Code of Ethics.

Responsibilities:

Responsible member of the Challenge Alaska Therapeutic Recreation Team. (CATRT).  Responsible for therapeutic recreation assessments, goal setting and treatment for individuals with disabilities (which includes regular documentation) under the supervision of CTRS. Responsible for working with a team of CTRS’ who provide therapeutic recreation services to individuals with a wide variety of disabilities. Recreation therapy is provided in a variety of settings including inclusive community recreation programs, local schools, military installations, group outings and day/overnight trips, and the hospital environment. Therapeutic activities include adaptive sports, recreation, leisure and education.  Methods range from medium intensity leisure such as cooking groups and book clubs to high intensity adventure-based activities like white water rafting and multi-day trips. Work must be organized in a systematic way, which enables all programs and events to operate smoothly and efficiently. Work as a positive member of the Challenge Alaska team. Support Challenge Alaska’s mission through hard work, collaboration, and shared leadership.

Duties:

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

• Understand and follow CATRT policies and procedures.

• Maintain accurate and complete client records for clients according to the established system under the supervision of CTRS.

• Assist with planning and implementation of Special Events held for all Challenge Alaska Clients

• Responsible for assisting in negotiation of donations and discounts needed to control costs for programs and clients.

• Responsible for assisting with the maintenance and management of Challenge Alaska Vehicles and equipment.

• Assist with collection of data for any current grants and/or contracts. Compile and submit data for grants and contracts as required.

MARKETING

• Responsible for identifying developing potential clients.

PROGRAMING

• Provide photographic documentation of CATRT activities.

• Learn, practice and administer TR assessments to clients and develop treatment plans based on the assessment under the supervision of CTRS.

• Determine how to best serve clients through 1:1 intervention, leisure education, ongoing programs, community integration, caregiver education and adaptive equipment under the supervision of CTRS.

OUTREACH, TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Provide information to community inquiries.

• Assist with all aspects of the acquisition, maintenance, and loan of Adaptive Equipment and the Equipment Room.

• Responsible for collecting and maintaining the TR Resource Library.

OTHER DUTIES 

• Assist with proposal/grants, reports, special events and fundraising activities as needed.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Internship Timeline

Internship Experience: A minimum of 14 weeks is required in which the intern works approximately 40 hours a week, averaging five days a week, for a total of 560 hours. Per NCTRC standards, a minimum of 25 hours must be worked each week. Evenings and weekends are often included in scheduling. The intern is expected to complete the internship according to predetermined start and end dates. Emergencies and medical illnesses are given special consideration according to NCTRC standards.

Practicum Experience: A part-time internship can be arranged that would extend past 14-15 weeks. Dates and times will be discussed with the internship coordinator. Evenings and weekends are often included in scheduling. Emergencies and medical illness are given special consideration.