Certified Recreational Therapist Jobs in New Mexico
Certified Recreational Therapist jobs in New Mexico concentrate in behavioral health facilities, long-term care, and state-operated rehabilitation centers, with steady demand at entry through senior clinician levels. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces drive the largest share of openings, where established employers such as the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, and Lovelace Health System maintain consistent recreational therapy programs. The most in-demand specialties are mental and behavioral health, geriatric care, and physical rehabilitation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?
Incumbent will provide assistance in directing and planning of recreational activities for residents for Forensic (FTU).
How does it get done?
Incumbent is responsible for the supervision/coordination recreational activities for FTU. Incumbent will cross train all employees in all areas of the FTU area. Incumbent will monitor and maintain employees KRONOS on a daily basis and weekly to include approving/disapproving leave taken.
Who are the customers?
Patients/ Residents/ Clients
Ideal Candidate
Patients/ Residents/ Clients
Minimum Qualification
Associate Degree in a relevant discipline and three (3) years of experience as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling five (5) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess a valid Drivers License
Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate
1. SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITIONS--This position ls designated as safely sensitive. Employment Is subject to pre-employment and random testing. In accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules, and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Employment ls subject to nationwide criminal background checks and is conditional pending results.
2. CRIMINAL RECORDS BACKGROUND CHECK-Must successfully complete post offer pre-employment criminal records background check. Employment is conditional pending the results of criminal records background checks. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Working Conditions
This position will perform work in a hospital and office setting with exposure to Visual Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Exposure to mentally and behaviorally challenged residents who may exhibit unpredictable and sometimes violent behaviors in volatile situations required. Effective 01/01/2015, New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute became a 100% Tobacco Free/E-Cigarette Free Campus. As such, no tobacco, tobacco products or E-Cigarette products are permitted on any part of the Campus. Unit is Forensic, Shift is 8:00AM-5:00PM.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Elizabeth Gutierrez-DeVries (505)454-2238 Email
Agency Contact Information: Kaylene Maldonado (505)454-2371 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?
Incumbent will provide assistance in directing and planning of recreational activities for residents for Forensic (FTU).
How does it get done?
Incumbent is responsible for the supervision/coordination recreational activities for FTU. Incumbent will cross train all employees in all areas of the FTU area. Incumbent will monitor and maintain employees KRONOS on a daily basis and weekly to include approving/disapproving leave taken.
Who are the customers?
Patients/ Residents/ Clients
Ideal Candidate
Patients/ Residents/ Clients
Minimum Qualification
Associate Degree in a relevant discipline and three (3) years of experience as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling five (5) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess a valid Drivers License
Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate
1. SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITIONS--This position ls designated as safely sensitive. Employment Is subject to pre-employment and random testing. In accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules, and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Employment ls subject to nationwide criminal background checks and is conditional pending results.
2. CRIMINAL RECORDS BACKGROUND CHECK-Must successfully complete post offer pre-employment criminal records background check. Employment is conditional pending the results of criminal records background checks. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Working Conditions
This position will perform work in a hospital and office setting with exposure to Visual Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Exposure to mentally and behaviorally challenged residents who may exhibit unpredictable and sometimes violent behaviors in volatile situations required. Effective 01/01/2015, New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute became a 100% Tobacco Free/E-Cigarette Free Campus. As such, no tobacco, tobacco products or E-Cigarette products are permitted on any part of the Campus. Unit is Forensic, Shift is 8:00AM-5:00PM.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Elizabeth Gutierrez-DeVries (505)454-2238 Email
Agency Contact Information: Kaylene Maldonado (505)454-2371 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See All 7 Certified Recreational Therapist Jobs in New Mexico
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Find JobsCertified Recreational Therapist Jobs by City in New Mexico
Where New Mexico roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Certified Recreational Therapist Job Market in New Mexico
A snapshot from current New Mexico openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
What New Mexico Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in certified recreational therapist jobs across New Mexico.
- Active Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential issued by NCTRC required
- Bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or closely related field from an accredited program
- Current New Mexico state registration or licensure where applicable to the practice setting
- Experience delivering recreational therapy services in a clinical or residential care environment
- Proficiency documenting treatment plans and progress notes in an electronic health record system
- Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary care team in a healthcare setting
Certified Recreational Therapist Jobs in New Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a certified recreational therapist in New Mexico?
You become a certified recreational therapist in New Mexico by earning a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a closely related field, completing a supervised clinical internship, and passing the national exam administered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification to earn the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential. New Mexico employers across hospital systems, behavioral health centers, and long-term care facilities recognize the CTRS as the standard professional credential for this role.
Which companies hire certified recreational therapists in New Mexico?
New Mexico certified recreational therapist roles are posted by State of New Mexico and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. State-operated facilities, VA healthcare programs, and regional hospital systems across Albuquerque and the Rio Grande corridor represent a large portion of consistent hiring in New Mexico.
Which New Mexico cities have the most certified recreational therapist jobs?
Las Vegas, Truth or Consequences, and Albuquerque have the most certified recreational therapist openings in New Mexico. Albuquerque dominates hiring because it concentrates the state's largest hospital systems, VA facilities, and behavioral health organizations, while Santa Fe and Las Cruces support demand through state government health programs, long-term care communities, and regional medical centers serving their surrounding populations.
How can I get hired as a certified recreational therapist in New Mexico with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing your supervised internship at a New Mexico facility and converting that placement into a full-time offer. Presbyterian Healthcare Services and the New Mexico VA Health Care System regularly accept new-graduate therapists and offer structured orientation programs. Candidates without full CTRS credentials can pursue activity technician or therapeutic recreation assistant roles at long-term care communities operated by larger regional chains, which provide supervised hours toward certification eligibility while building a clinical record in the state.
Where can I find and apply to certified recreational therapist jobs in New Mexico?
You can find and apply to certified recreational therapist jobs in New Mexico on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings for roles that match your experience, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 7 Certified Recreational Therapist Jobs in New Mexico
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