Gain professional experience and knowledge with hands-on experience in all aspects of community-based therapeutic recreation with an internship at the National Ability Center! Programs include summer day and overnight camps, equestrian (adaptive horseback riding and equine assisted learning), archery, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, paddle sports, watersports, cycling, mountain biking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, winter snow biking, ski & snowboard, sled hockey, family & group programming, military programs, social and life skills programs, and more! For application deadlines, internship dates and how to apply, please visit discovernac.org.

Type:

Year round

Minimum Requirements:

Current student within a Therapeutic Recreation program or immediate graduate.

Current CPR and First Aid Certification (must be current for duration of internship).

Commitment to a positive, fun and team-oriented working environment.

Working knowledge of National Ability Center policies and procedures (upon training).

Completion of a Utah State background check & valid driver’s license.

Basic computer processing skills including Microsoft Office.

Experience with people of all abilities, programming and safety needs.

Ability to give and receive feedback in a positive manner.

Commitment to all responsibilities and expectations.

Ability to help transfer people in and out equipment (lifting required).

Ability to withstand long hours in the outdoors.

Application Deadline:

March 1 for Summer; June 1 for Fall; September 1st for Winter

Contact Name:

Andrea Stack:  andreas@discovernac.org

Application Email / Phone / URL:

discovernac.org/ways-to-give/intern/#intern-applications

Location:

Park City, UT

ScenicView is looking for Recreation Therapy Interns to help us serve the neuro diverse community. Services are provided in a residential support setting. The Recreation Therapist provides direct service to teach skills and provide interventions under the direction of the program directors and supervised by the program manager.

Interns will learn how to:

• Assist students in acquiring skills, as defined by program outcomes, using the direct instruction model.

• Provide students with formal and informal assessments to gauge skills mastery

• Make recommendations for students’ skill needs and scheduling to Service Coordinators

• Initiate skill development after receiving assignment and consulting with the Service Coordinator regarding student MAP goals

• Evaluate pre and post assessment results and modify instruction as necessary

• Document skill development progress on the MAP

• Continually update the student on their progress

• Collaborate with the Service Coordinator to recommend involvement of other specialists if additional interventions are required

• Consult with the Service Coordinator to create, alter, or amend student plans or schedules, with the understanding that the Service Coordinator will have final say in all student plans

• Collaborate with the recreational therapy team to plan and execute student enrichment activities

• Manage recreational therapy supplies and inventory

Contact Name:

Karen Gonzales; kareng@svacademy.org

Application Instructions:

For an inquiries please send your resume to kareng@svacademy.org and or call at 801-342-3467.

Location:

Provo, UT

A winter internship with Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports offers a creative and hands-on experience. Our small organization is striving to meet the large need in our community. Through offering adaptive ski and snowboard lessons we hope to increase confidence, community, and life enjoyment for our participants. With us you will be able to identify a population you would like to focus on, make community partnerships, plan an individualized program, and implement it with the support of our staff. 

Minimum Requirements

• Current student within a Therapeutic Recreation program

• Have good communication skills

• Be flexible, reliable, and committed to our participants

• Adaptability and creativity! 

Application Deadline

• Please apply no later than October 31, 2023

Contact Name:

Kyle Andrew CTRS 

Program Coordinator

kandrew@ogdenvalleyadaptivesports.org 

Application Instructions

Please submit an application at https://ogdenvalleyadaptivesports.org/employment/

Location:

Ogden, UT

Common Ground works to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for adults and youths with disabilities. Our population ranges from ages 3-99 and includes individuals with cognitive, mental, and physical disabilities.  

Job Responsibilities 

• Assist program staff in the planning and leading of outdoor recreational activities and trips including, cycling, rock climbing, canoeing, camping, river rafting, etc.   

• Assist program staff with outreach efforts to recruit people with disabilities, organizations, and agencies to participate in activities. 

• Assist with maintenance tasks around the office including: maintaining equipment, cleaning vehicles, and providing misc. office support tasks.  

• Assist in obtaining in-kind donations for programs and special events. 

Qualifications: 

• Applicants must be mature, reliable, and have a willingness to work with diverse populations.    

• Sincere desire and motivation to work with youths and adults of all abilities  

• Ability and desire to work outdoors  

• Hard Working and self-directed 

• Ability to lift 50lbs.  

• Must provide current first aid and CPR certification documentation 

• Minimum age of 18 years 

• Experience working with volunteers and the public 

• Ability and flexibility to handle various projects with strong organizational skills 

• Ability to take initiative and run with new ideas 

• Strong interpersonal, networking, presentation and recruiting skills 

• Clean driving record 

• Food handlers permit  

• Must be able to pass a background check 

Minimum Requirements:

1-pass a background check

2-have a valid driver's license

3-complete necessary coursework

Application Deadline:

1- full year position

3- summer positions

Stipend available

Contact Name:

SaQuoyah Boxx; saquoyah@cgadventures.org

Application Instructions:

Email resume and cover letter to saquoyah@cgadventures.org

Location:

Logan, UT

New Haven has a vision of a world where every young person makes peace with their past, thrives in the present, and creates a hopeful future hand in hand with their family. As a New Haven Rec. Therapy intern you will gain experience in planning and implementing interventions. You will learn to run group therapy sessions and individual sessions as well as family sessions. You will have the opportunity to attend and be an active member in treatment team meetings. You will gain experience in planning and executing adventure days such as rappelling, hiking, snowshoeing, etc. 

Minimum Requirements

• Current student within a Therapeutic Recreation program

• Ability to give and received feedback

• Have good communication skills

• Be flexible, reliable, and committed to our students

• Ability to work with students who are at different developmental stages

Contact Name:

Ayelen Cisneros - ayelen.cisneros@newhavenrtc.com 

Application Instructions

Send a resume to ayelen.cisneros@newhavenrtc.com to schedule a time to interview.

Location:

Saratoga Springs or Spanish Fork

As students plan for their internship, they may also want to consider graduate school as a way to continue their education and advance their career post graduation.

The Master of Science in Recreational Therapy at the University of Utah provides an individualized, innovative, and progressive education that enables students to enhance their personal and professional knowledge and skill set while developing into leaders in the recreational therapy profession.

Focusing on evidence-based practices, the recreational therapy program trains students to use a comprehensive, individualized, and systematic approach to health and wellness to emphasize prevention, rehabilitation, and health maintenance through activity-based interventions.

Please visit the website for all information regarding the Masters Degree Program and the University of Utah.

https://health.utah.edu/occupational-recreational-therapies/degrees/msrt

Contact Name:

Rhonda Nelson- rhonda.nelson@hsc.utah.edu

Location:

Salt Lake City, UT

Telos is a residential treatment center for teenage boys located in Orem, Utah. If you have a passion for mental health and enjoy going on outdoor adventures this is the internship for you! Enjoy learning how to apply the APIED process and help the boys reach their therapeutic goals as we take them skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and more! 

Type

Year Round 

Minimum Requirements

• Current student within a Therapeutic Recreation program or immediate graduate.

• Completion of an Utah State background check & valid driver’s license.

• Basic computer processing skills including Google Drive. 

• Ability to give and receive feedback in a positive manner.

• Commitment to all responsibilities and expectations.

• Ability to withstand long hours in the outdoors.

• Experience in skiing or snowboarding, mountain biking, and climbing (no need to be a pro). 

• Must be able to swim. 

Contact Name:

Maycie Gerber - mgerber@telos.org

Application Deadline

March 15th for Summer, July 15th for Fall, November 15th for Winter/Spring 

Application Instructions

Email Maycie your cover letter and resume!

Location:

Orem, UT

Bella Terra Skilled Nursing and Rehab is seeking a motivated and creative Recreational Therapy Intern to join our amazing team! This internship meets all the NCTRC requirements for certification in all the job analysis task areas. Bella Terra Skilled Nursing and Rehab is a 180-bed Skilled Nursing Facility nestled in the beautiful red-rock mountains of St. George, UT, just minutes from several National Parks and tourist attractions. Bella Terra accepts Short-Term Rehab and Long-Term Care Residents. We offer private and shared options for rooming. We are a growing facility, with only 1/3 of our beds filled, so far, and myriad opportunities for career placement. We offer Community Dining options, a secure Memory Care unit, and an open Rehabilitative Gym where restorative therapies are practiced. There are also several outdoor patios accessible from various areas of the facility.  

Internship Description

• The Recreational Therapy Intern works under the supervision of the Recreational Therapy Director (CTRS), to meet the needs of residents in the facility. 

• The Recreational Therapy Intern learns and assists the Director in implementing the APIED process with residents in the facility. They work to meet the residents’ emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and social needs, as identified in their plan of care. This will be accomplished through a variety of means, including but not limited to involvement in inter-disciplinary team meetings for planning of care, 1:1 interventions, small resident groups, large social gatherings (such as for holidays), outings into the community, and walks around the facility grounds. 

• The Recreational Therapy Intern will be responsible for assisting where needed in Assessing assigned residents’ needs, Planning a person-centered program of care, Implementing goal-focused interventions, Evaluating effectiveness of implemented programs, and Documenting resident progress towards identified goals. 

• Additionally, the Recreational Therapy Intern may be responsible to occasionally assist with other needful tasks, as assigned by the Recreational Therapy Director.  

Responsibilities: Use APIED process to engage in Recreational Therapy: 

• Schedule and coordinate recreational therapy programs to meet the needs of assigned residents. 

• Develop and plan activity programs to allow participation by residents within their capabilities. 

• Work with the interdisciplinary team to schedule groups and meet survey requirements. 

• Complete a Comprehensive evaluation on each resident. 

• Document the individual activity assessment and activity plan using the appropriate process and forms.  Maintain appropriate documentation on attendance and progress towards goals. 

• Work with the active Volunteer Program 

• Develop a plan to effectively use community resources & sometimes represent the facility to these groups. 

• Identify changes in behavior in residents and communicate these changes, as appropriate. 

• Evaluate residents to assist in the development of the individual activity program 

Benefits

• Meet all NCTRC Internship Standard Requirements for national RT Certification, upon completion. 

• Personalized, 1:1 tutoring and training with an experienced CTRS as a Recreational Therapy Internship Supervisor. 

• Cutting-edge Medicaid-billable reimbursement training, to equip you with the skills you need to maximize your CTRS marketability and position you for a successful and profitable career in RT. 

• Opportunities for career placement upon successful completion of internship, depending on performance. 

Qualifications

• Food Handler’s Permit required, may be obtained upon hire 

• Must have ability to work independently and be self-motivated, organize and prioritize work and assignments, meet deadlines, document, and communicate clearly.  

• Be creative, reliable, and flexible.  

• Work well with people of all ages, think clearly, and make appropriate decisions. 

• Should have a Valid Driver's License 

Application Deadline:

Ongoing

Contact:

Charity Payne, CTRS

385 309 8560 (call/text)

Charity@bellaterranursing.com (email)

Application Instructions:

Contact Charity to learn more or express interest!

Location:

Saint George, UT

Salt Lake County Adaptive Recreation offers inclusive services and adaptive recreation programs to individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Inclusion is when an individual joins a program that is not specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive recreation programs are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities.  We offer adaptive sport & aquatic programs, adaptive socialization activities, and adaptive child care services. We accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities. 

The intern's role in this organization is to assist in all aspects of programs and administration. They will be supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), while performing various jobs 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. This internship will require evening and weekend hours. A part-time internship can be arranged that would extend past 14 weeks. Specific dates and times must be approved by the internship supervisor prior to starting. 

PRE-INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

Respond to internship offer with acceptance letter acknowledging:

Beginning and ending dates

A statement of expectations (intern goals)

Verify that your college/university has a legal agreement with Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation.

Complete all requirements for your college/university.

You must pass a background check in order to be eligible to intern with Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation.

DURING THE INTERNSHIP:

Attend appropriate training sessions and clinics for specific programs.

Participate in all facets of agency operation as directed by supervisor.

Maintain copy of all records pertinent to the internship including: orientation materials, copy of supervisor’s certification, log of hours, evaluations, assignments, and projects.

Complete assignments as given by supervisor(s) and any that are required by the university.

Attend weekly intern meetings.

Plan and present updates regarding the NCTRC job task analysis assignments and experiences related to the Therapeutic Recreation process.

Complete a case study that is chosen in collaboration with the intern supervisor.

Participate in program and internship evaluations.

Have FUN!

Application Deadlines:

Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation will accept interns as long as there is enough need for them to assist in programs. Please contact the agency internship coordinator for details.

Contact:

Autumn Lulla TRS, CTRS alulla@saltlakecounty.gov

Interns are matched with a licensed and NCTRC certified Supervisor. They will receive orientation and training throughout their internship. A stipend of $840.00 will be paid at the conclusion of a successful internship. Interns will be mentored by their supervisor and other RT professionals adhering to the NCTRC guidelines and job analysis. Interns are included in Clinical meetings and play a role on the treatment team. Opportunities for clinical rotations on other patient units is expected to broaden the learning experience regarding patient ages and with a variety of mental illnesses, age ranges from children through adults. It's expected the intern will have finished their class work and completing their education with this internship. We prepare our interns for the RT profession.

Company / Organization Name:

Utah State Hospital

Type:

Full Time

Position Title:

Recreation Therapy Intern

Minimum Requirements

Candidate must be eligible through their university's Recreation Therapy department. Advisors will need to recommend them for this internship. This is a highly sought after intern placement, so early commitment to work and follow through is expected.

Internships are offered year round, but there is a cap of 5 interns per semester. We are looking for highly motivated, energized, creative, independent, and career oriented individuals who can work within a team of clinical professionals from psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, RT and OT staff. You will learn from the best!

Application Deadline

2-3 months prior to the semester

Contact Name:

Julie Varoz, CTRS

Application Instructions

Contact Julie Varoz, the RT Program Associate for an application packet to be emailed to you jvaroz@utah.gov , 801-344-4489

Location:

Utah State Hospital 1300 E. Center Street, Provo, Utah

Students who intern with West Ridge Academy will be exposed to a variety of interventions within a residential treatment center. West Ridge Academy serves a population of adolescents learning to live with their mental health and behavioral challenges The recreational therapy department at West Ridge Academy is an integral part in this process by using the flourishing through leisure model paired with the broaden and build theory of positive emotions; to expose the adolescents to interesting, content, and joyful interventions that are innovative in building relationships and teaching them to love themselves for who they are.

Internship Will Cover

• Assessments (In house and standardized)

• Planning of treatment goals and objectives

• Observing Groups

• Planning/implementing Groups (focused on the broaden and build theory of positive emotions)

• Evaluating groups/residents fit with treatment goals

• Exposure to ropes course elements

• Interdisciplinary team meetings/treatment reviews

• Continuous review of evidence based practice

Application Deadline:

Ongoing

Contact:

Shane Brooks TRS, CTRS

C: (307)-371-8521    E: sbrooks@westridgeacademy.org

Application Instructions:

Send an email to Shane Brooks (sbrooks@westridgeacademy.org)with the semester you are applying for and when you would like to start your internships. Please also include some basic information about yourself. You will be emailed an application letter with instructions on how to apply. 

Location:

5500 Bagley Park Rd

West Jordan, UT

Kostopulos Dream Foundation, home of Camp Kostopulos, is a year-round agency serving people with disabilities in recreation and leisure activities. Camp Kostopulos is located in Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake City, Utah.  The facilities include main lodge, six cabins, heated swimming pool, horses and Equestrian center, high and low ropes course, fishing pond, and more! We are currently building an accessible splash pad and outdoor amphitheater! Our programs include year-round leisure education programs for all ages, skill building courses, and residential summer camp/trip camps.

Job Summary

The Kostopulos Dream Foundation provides Clinical Recreational Therapy Summer Camps and Community-Based Programs for people with disabilities of all ages. Interns will provide programming to a wide variety of people with disabilities and complex medical needs. Interns can expect to gain knowledge and experience in outdoor recreation, the arts, adaptive recreation, equestrian, and more! Interns will work with an amazing and dynamic team, practice the APIED process, meet NCTRC requirements, CTRS exam preparation, and put learned classroom skills to work.

Responsibilities

• Assessments of participants including reviewing documentation, personal interview and observation.  (Formal written assessments will be completed by TR interns).

• Develop individualized intervention plans for participants. (TR intern only)

• Planning programs/activities including writing goals and objectives, writing activity plans and making necessary arrangements.

• Facilitate activities under direction of intern supervisor.

• Complete evaluation forms for each activity.

• Actively participate in staff meetings, planning sessions and in-services.

• Represent the agency by participating in outreach, advocacy and public relations.

• Complete a major project for the agency as agreed upon by student, university, and agency supervisor.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.  Experience driving a 15-passenger van is helpful.

• Must have a clean criminal background.

• Current first aid/CPR certifications.

• Ability to lift, transfer and provide physical assistance for participants.

• Experience working with people with disabilities is preferred.

Schedule

Interns will work a 40-hour week Monday through Friday. Weekends as needed. Hours will vary from mornings, afternoons and evenings.  

Stipend

Interns will receive a stipend. 

Application Deadline

We offer Internships in Spring, Summer, and Fall

Contact Name:

Janae Cook, CTRS/TRS, Program Manager 801-582-0700 Ext. 100 

Application Instructions

• Fill out our application here: https://www.campk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/KDF-Employment-Application.pdf

• Email jcook@campk.org your application, resume, and cover letter. 

Location:

4180 Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Students will be able to apply knowledge and skills they have acquired in their university course work as well as gain exposure and demonstrate competence in all job tasks of a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist as outlined in the NCTRC Job Analysis. Interns will gain knowledge through experience with the therapeutic recreation process. Under the supervision of our CTRS and Activities Coordinators, students will become a practicing member of our team. Students selected to complete their internship at the Homestead will gain experience with memory care, assisted living, and independent living geriatric populations. 

Qualifications

• NCTRC internship requirements 

Application Deadline:

3 months prior to potential start of internship 

Contact:

Heather Luthy 

Hbmcdaniel14@gmail.com

(936)212-1982

Application Instructions:

Email Heather by email hbmcdaniel14@gmail.com for an internship application OR complete a job application on the Homesteads website (https://thehomesteadliving.com/) and specify you need a TR internship under a CTRS. 

Location:

Rexburg, Idaho

St. Marks Hospital is a Joint Commission Accredited 317 bed licensed hospital. Therapeutic Recreation services in the hospital are based on the 16 bed Adult In-patient Behavioral Health Unit. TR services are also available within the hospital setting for all patients including the 14 bed Transitional Care Center/SNF, the 16 bed Acute Rehabilitation unit, and working with antepartum patients.

The therapeutic recreation internship at St. Mark’s Hospital will meet the National

Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) requirements through the

following criteria:

1. The internship will be a minimum of 560 hours or 14 consecutive weeks under

the supervision of a full-time CTRS.

2. The intern will participate in the development of professional roles by creating an

educational in-service to provide education to the staff during the internship

hours.

3. The intern will participate in Interdisciplinary Team meetings to gain greater

knowledge of the role of TR in the care planning process. The intern will have

the opportunity to work with allied professionals to develop greater understanding

of allied professions and the role of TR in the interdisciplinary role.

4. The intern will participate in the local professional organization events during

internship weeks to further their knowledge.

5. The intern will learn the federal and state professional regulations and practice

laws to implement them into their daily practice.

6. The intern will implement the APIE process of therapeutic recreation in daily

practice on the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) and within other settings that utilize

TR services.

7. The intern will participate in improvement processes of the TR program by

developing protocols for interventions provided during programming.

8. The intern will promote TR services within the hospital setting.

9. The intern will develop and implement therapeutic recreation interventions to

meet the goals developed for patients. The intern will gain increased insight into

diversity of patient mix and develop skills to adapt interventions accordingly.

10. The intern will develop working knowledge of resource/equipment

inventory, compliance with credentialing organizations, and working within a

budget.

RT services are offered seven days a week, allowing for internship schedule flexibility.  Unfortunately there is not a stipend at this internship. Learn more about the hospital at https://mountainstar.com/locations/st-marks-hospital/

Minimum Requirements

• NCTRC required course work

Type:

Year-round

Application Instructions:

Please email resumes and cover letter to Christine.Forsdick@mountainstarhealth.com or Liz.Longhurst@Mountainstarhealth.com. Upon review we will set up an interview. If extended the internship, intern will begin the hospital screening process.  

Location:

3900 S 1200 E, Salt Lake City, Utah

Experience your large internship at one of Utah’s premiere research hospitals. As part of a world-renowned academic health system (University of Utah Health), Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) provides comprehensive mental health services and psychiatric care. HMHI offers large internships each semester for students seeking national certification in Therapeutic Recreation. HMHI is an acute inpatient and day treatment hospital containing 120 beds and 11 units. The diverse patient population at HMHI consists of individuals ranging from early childhood to geriatric who are a danger to themselves or others and are unable to maintain safety in a less restrictive environment. Common problem areas include anger, depression, self-harm, psychosis, detox, and autism. The multidisciplinary team consists of highly-qualified doctors, therapists, nursing staff, social workers and expressive therapists. The Expressive Therapy department is responsible for leading 185 groups each week across the hospital.

As a member of the Expressive Therapy department, the Recreation Therapy intern will:

• Prepare for NCTRC certification through assignments and projects.

• Observe and facilitate groups across all units.

• Learn to coordinate care with art therapists, music therapists as well as the multidisciplinary treatment team.

• Apply the Therapeutic Recreation process through assessments, group notes, treatment plan reviews and discharge notes.

• Learn and assist with challenge (ropes) course initiatives.

This is an unpaid, full time internship. To arrange a tour and begin the application process, contact Jaimie Cogswell MTRS, CTRS.

Type:

Year-round

Application Instructions:

jaimie.cogswell@hsc.utah.edu

Location:

Salt Lake City, Utah

Our mission is “to serve the veteran who served us”. The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System (VASLCHCS) is committed to providing our patients with the highest Quality of Care in an environment that is safe.

Internships with Recreation therapy Services at the VASLCHCS offer students opportunities to work with a recreation therapist working with the following Veteran populations: Acute Mental Health, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Use Treatment, Whole Health and Physical Disability & Adaptive Sports.

Please visit Recreation Therapy Internship Program | VA Salt Lake City Health Care | Veterans Affairs website for more details if you are interested in working with Veterans within the recreation therapy department at the VASLCHCS. This is an unpaid internship.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be 21 years or older

• Pass background check

• Complete a minimum of 100 practicum/work hours within a recreation therapy setting OR other human health services related setting (Flexible due to COVID)

• Ensure completion of all required recreation therapy coursework outlined by the university

Application Deadline

• Summer Internship (May to August): Feb. 1

• Fall Internship (September to December): June 1

• Spring Internship (January to April): Oct. 1 

Contact Name:

Allison Thelin

Application Instructions

Please visit the website for additional information as well as the application.

Recreation Therapy Internship Program | VA Salt Lake City Health Care | Veterans Affairs

Contact Allison Thelin with any additional questions

Allison.Thelin@va.gov 801-582-1565 ext. 2617

Location:

Salt Lake City, UT