Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (28 hrs/week) & Adaptive Sports Program Specialist (12 hrs/week)

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is seeking a passionate and skilled professional for a dynamic split position serving both our Inpatient Rehabilitation Program and the Gaylord Sports Association. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on individuals recovering from complex medical conditions and those living with physical disabilities—through both therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (28 hrs/week):

As a key member of the interdisciplinary team in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) plays a vital role in supporting recovery, independence, and quality of life through therapeutic recreation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides direct patient care, including comprehensive assessment, individualized treatment, and discharge planning
• Performs appropriate written documentation and communicates clinically with professionalism and accuracy
• Interacts appropriately with patients and team members through clinical communication
• Develops and implements treatment plans that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and meaningful participation
• Reassesses plan effectiveness and adjusts interventions to meet evolving goals
• Educates patients and families to support recreation engagement beyond discharge
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to enhance care coordination
• Demonstrates professionalism, clinical expertise, and compassionate, ethical practice in all interactions
• Promotes participation in therapeutic recreation as a key component of rehabilitation and quality of life

Adaptive Sports Program Specialist (12 hrs/week):

The Adaptive Sports Program Specialist supports the planning and delivery of high-quality adaptive sports and recreation programs through the Gaylord Sports Association, which serves community members ages 16+ with physical disabilities or visual impairments. Program offerings include archery, boccia, cycling, golf, kayaking, paratriathlon, pickleball, rock climbing, skiing, sled hockey, fitness, waterskiing, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, yoga, and veterans programming. Participants include individuals with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, amputation, visual impairment, multiple sclerosis, and other physical disabilities.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Providing direct leadership and support for clinics, practices, and special events
• Adapting activities and equipment for safe and successful participation
• Assisting with scheduling, logistics, equipment setup, and transport
• Supporting participant registration, communication, and engagement
• Collaborating with coaches, staff, volunteers, and community partners
• Performing administrative tasks and maintaining accurate records
• Promoting safety and ensuring compliance with all program and hospital policies
• Representing the Gaylord Sports Association with professionalism in community settings
• Participating in program development, seasonal planning, and quality improvement initiatives

Qualifications:

Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field.
Required: Applicants must be certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or certification-eligible prior to employment, with certification obtained within one year of hire and maintained throughout employment (recertification required every five years).
Preferred: Experience working with individuals with physical disabilities and in planning, coordinating, and implementing recreation, adaptive sports, or related programs
Required: Valid CT Driver’s License with the ability to drive hospital vehicles (including 15-passenger vans and truck/trailer); must obtain Public Passenger Endorsement within 3 months of hire.
Required: Ability to lift/push/pull up to 60 lbs. and assist with equipment setup and participant support
Required: Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and varying weather conditions
Work Schedule:

Full Time, 40 hours per week. One evening per week is required along with weekend programs and additional evenings based on programmatic needs.

About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare:

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a health system dedicated exclusively to medical rehabilitation. We provide inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey—from illness or injury to the most advanced state of recovery they can achieve.

Our Mission: To enhance health, maximize function, and transform lives.
Our Values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.
These values guide us in providing quality patient care and transforming the lives of our patients.

Benefits to Working at Gaylord Include:

Voted Top 100 Workplaces in CT in 2021, 2022, and 2023
Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages
Robust orientation and onboarding programs
Clinical ladder advancement opportunities
Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities
Free parking on a beautiful and safe campus
Generous paid time off (PTO)
Reward & recognition programs to celebrate staff contributions
Supportive, collaborative work environment