RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Title: RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

State Role Title: Recreational Therapists

Hiring Range: $52,711-$72,741

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Eastern State Hospital

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/esh/employment-opportunities/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Provide patients quality engagement opportunities through creative and evidenced based therapeutic interventions and groups. Seeking to recognize the uniqueness of each individual in our care and promote self-awareness of their strengths. Provide and outlet for the patients to engage in meaningful interventions while also exploring their own personal interests. Promote resiliency, autonomy and empowerment through a structured and supportive environment to meet psychosocial and physical recovery goals.

Minimum Qualifications

•Valid driver’s license.

•Experience in applying behavioral intervention methods.

•Experience as a service provider in an inpatient program for mentally ill, mentally challenged or substance abuse patients.

•Experience working with psychiatric patients in a clinical setting.

•Experience in activity/group planning and implementation.

•Certified Recreation Therapist Specialist (CTRS) or must be able to obtain within 12 months of employment.

Additional Considerations

None.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: EASTERN STATE HOSPITAL

Phone: 757-208-7717/REFER TO PAGE UP FOR APPLICATION STATUS

Email: EMAIL APPLICATION MATERIAL NOT ACCEPTED

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 19 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 19 Dec 2026 Eastern Standard Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend