Hospital Recreation Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare sector, the significance of Hospital Recreation Coordinators has never been more pronounced.

As healthcare evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can create, enhance, and manage comprehensive recreational programs for patients grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Hospital Recreation Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core aspects of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of hospital recreation coordination,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Hospital Recreation Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Hospital Recreation Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Hospital Recreation Coordinators play a crucial role in improving the quality of life of patients by organizing and implementing recreational activities.

They are also responsible for assessing patients’ needs and preferences to ensure the activities are beneficial and enjoyable.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assess patient needs and interests, develop and implement recreational programs accordingly
• Coordinate and supervise recreational activities such as games, crafts, music, drama, and trips to ensure they are safe and suitable for the patients
• Monitor patient progress and adjust programs based on their health status or feedback
• Maintain records of patient participation and progress
• Work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure that recreational activities are integrated with other treatments
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers who assist with recreational activities
• Ensure compliance with hospital and health department regulations and safety standards
• Secure necessary equipment and supplies for recreational activities
• Communicate regularly with patients’ families about the value of recreational activities and how they can be supportive
• Evaluate the effectiveness of recreational programs and make necessary adjustments
• Advocate for the importance of recreation and leisure activities in the healthcare setting

 

Hospital Recreation Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a creative and empathetic Hospital Recreation Coordinator to plan and implement recreational programs for our patients.

Hospital Recreation Coordinators are responsible for developing recreational activities that cater to the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients.

They must interact with patients, understand their unique needs, and design programs that can enhance their wellbeing and speed up their recovery.

Our ideal candidate understands how recreational activities can contribute to a patient’s overall healthcare plan and is willing to work closely with a multidisciplinary team.

 

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and implement recreational programs for patients
• Conduct patient assessments to determine their recreational needs
• Coordinate with healthcare professionals to integrate recreational activities into the overall patient care plan
• Monitor patient progress and adjust programs accordingly
• Organize special events and outings for patients
• Ensure all activities comply with health and safety regulations
• Train and supervise volunteers
• Document and maintain records of patient progress
• Handle patient concerns or complaints
• Stay informed about latest developments in recreational therapy

 

Qualifications

• A degree in therapeutic recreation, psychology, or a related field
• Proven experience as a Recreation Coordinator in a healthcare setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of the therapeutic benefits of recreational activities
• Experience working with diverse patient populations
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hospital Recreation Coordinator
• Work Environment: Hospital setting, may involve patient visits at their homes or at different facilities within the hospital.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Therapeutic Services or Hospital Administrator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hospital Recreation Coordinator Do?

A Hospital Recreation Coordinator is a vital role in healthcare settings, particularly in long-term care facilities or rehabilitation centers.

They are responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing a variety of recreational activities tailored to the physical, mental, and emotional needs of patients.

These activities can range from arts and crafts, music therapy, group games, to outdoor activities and excursions.

The Hospital Recreation Coordinator works closely with healthcare professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists to assess the patients’ abilities, preferences, and restrictions to create individualized or group recreational programs.

They also monitor the patients’ progress and responses to the activities, adjusting the programs as necessary, and reporting the observations to the healthcare team.

This helps in the holistic care of patients, aiming to improve their quality of life and expedite recovery.

In addition, they ensure the safety and cleanliness of the recreational areas and equipment, adhering to the healthcare facility’s guidelines and regulations.

Hospital Recreation Coordinators also organize special events or celebrations in the hospital, providing a joyful environment for the patients and their families.

Overall, the role of a Hospital Recreation Coordinator is to enhance the patients’ well-being by providing enjoyable and therapeutic recreational activities in a hospital setting.

 

Hospital Recreation Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A competent Hospital Recreation Coordinator should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job description, such as:

• Exceptional communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare staff, as well as to convey the benefits of recreational activities effectively.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities to manage and coordinate various recreational activities and events for patients.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to connect with patients of all age groups and understand their unique needs and preferences.
• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation practices and the ability to adapt activities to meet the physical and psychological needs of patients.
• Problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and obstacles in the organization of recreational programs.
• Patience and resilience to work with patients who may be dealing with a range of physical and mental health issues.
• Creativity in designing engaging and enjoyable activities that cater to a wide range of interests and abilities.
• Leadership skills to guide and motivate a team of volunteers or staff in delivering recreational programs.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology and understanding of different illnesses and disabilities to ensure activities are suitable and safe for patients.

 

Hospital Recreation Coordinator Experience Requirements

Hospital Recreation Coordinators usually have a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field.

This educational background provides a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge about recreation therapy and its benefits, as well as practical experience through supervised internships.

For entry-level roles, candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through part-time roles or internships in a healthcare or recreational setting.

This helps them understand the dynamics of patient care and recreational therapy.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a more in-depth understanding of the role, having worked in hospitals, nursing homes, or other medical facilities.

They may have developed therapeutic recreation programs and worked directly with patients of different age groups and medical conditions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership experience in their background.

They may have coordinated teams of recreational therapists, overseen the development and implementation of therapy programs, and may have been involved in administrative tasks such as budget management.

These candidates may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position within the hospital recreation department.

In addition to the above, successful Hospital Recreation Coordinators are expected to have excellent communication skills, a high level of empathy, and a genuine passion for improving patients’ wellbeing through recreational therapy.

 

Hospital Recreation Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Hospital Recreation Coordinators typically have a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, recreation management, or a similar field.

These programs include coursework in psychology, anatomy, physiology, and recreational therapy and often include a supervised internship to provide practical experience in a healthcare setting.

Many states require Hospital Recreation Coordinators to be certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or a similar agency.

To maintain this certification, professionals must participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities.

Some positions may prefer or require a master’s degree in therapeutic recreation, healthcare administration, or a related field.

This advanced education can provide a greater understanding of the healthcare system and the role of recreational therapy in patient care and recovery.

Additional optional certifications such as First Aid and CPR, or specialized training in areas like geriatric care, mental health, or physical rehabilitation can also enhance a Hospital Recreation Coordinator’s skills and job prospects.

Regularly participating in professional development can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to their profession and keep them up-to-date with the latest therapeutic recreation techniques and research.

 

Hospital Recreation Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Hospital Recreation Coordinator can expect to earn an average salary of $46,890 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ significantly based on factors such as the level of experience, additional skills, the size of the hospital, and the location of the job.

 

Hospital Recreation Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What are the key responsibilities of a Hospital Recreation Coordinator?

The main responsibilities of a Hospital Recreation Coordinator include planning, coordinating, and overseeing recreational activities for hospital patients.

They work to design programs that meet the needs and interests of diverse patients, promoting physical health, mental well-being, and social interactions.

They may also provide therapeutic recreational activities for patients with specific health conditions.

 

What skills are important for a Hospital Recreation Coordinator?

A Hospital Recreation Coordinator should have excellent organization and program planning skills, as they are responsible for coordinating numerous activities.

They should have strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with patients and other medical staff effectively.

Understanding of therapeutic recreation practices and a compassionate approach towards patients’ needs are also crucial.

 

What qualifications are needed to become a Hospital Recreation Coordinator?

To become a Hospital Recreation Coordinator, a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, recreation management, or a related field is typically required.

Some hospitals may also require a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential or similar certification.

Prior experience working in healthcare or therapeutic recreation can be beneficial.

 

Is there any specific training required for a Hospital Recreation Coordinator?

Yes, specific training in therapeutic recreation is often needed.

This training can be obtained through a degree program or professional certification and involves learning about various recreational therapies and how they can be used to promote physical and mental health.

On-the-job training may also be provided to understand the hospital’s policies and the unique needs of its patients.

 

What qualities make a good Hospital Recreation Coordinator?

A good Hospital Recreation Coordinator should be patient, compassionate, and empathetic, as they will be working with individuals who have various health conditions.

They should also be creative in order to design engaging recreational activities that cater to different interests and abilities.

Good problem-solving skills are crucial for adjusting programs to meet changing patient needs.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the curtain on what it truly means to be a Hospital Recreation Coordinator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about organizing recreational activities.

It’s about promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being for patients, one event at a time.

With our go-to Hospital Recreation Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make a move.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every event planned is a part of a bigger picture.

Let’s build a healthier, happier future. Together.

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