Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Jobs in North Carolina
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist jobs in North Carolina are concentrated in hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and behavioral health programs, with steady demand from entry-level through senior clinician roles. The strongest hiring is in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro, where employers such as Atrium Health, Duke Health, and Novant Health maintain large rehabilitation and behavioral health departments. Community mental health, pediatric rehabilitation, and geriatric care are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Who we are
We’re a global, midsize CRO that pushes boundaries, innovates and invents because the path to a cure for the world’s most persistent diseases is not paved by those who play it safe. It is built by those who take pioneering, creative approaches and implement them with quality and excellence.
We are Worldwide Clinical Trials, and we are a global team of over 3,500+ experts, bright thinkers, dreamers and doers and, together, we are changing the way the world experiences CROs – in the best possible way.
Our mission is to work with passion and purpose every day to improve lives and we are looking for others who value this same pursuit.
Why Worldwide
We believe everyone plays an important role in making a world of difference for patients and their caregivers. From our hands-on, accessible leaders, to our cohesive and supportive teams, we are committed to enabling professionals from all backgrounds and experiences to succeed. We prioritize cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment that continues to promote collaboration and creativity. We are proud to be a workplace where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day. Join us!
What the Oncology Therapeutic Strategy Lead does at Worldwide:
The Oncology Therapeutic Strategy Lead will serve as a therapeutic consultant to both the Business Development organization and the Therapeutic Area Leads. This is a cross-functional role that works across the organization and supports the sales and customer lifecycle. The role begins with supporting new customer presentations and continues through to project award. This role has a broad impact and interacts with several areas within the company, including clinical, medical, safety, program management, regulatory, technology, and business development operations to jointly devise initial development strategies for new business.
What you will do
Support TA Leader to partner with BD and Operations to create effective delivery strategies and solutions for clinical trials ranging from small complex studies to large, multi-service, multi-region studies or programs to include portfolio management, addressing the specific needs and challenges of each customer, and differentiate WORLDWIDE from its competitors. In partnership with Sales, Medical, Operations, and other functions, responsible for the award of strategic and tactical new business to achieve annual Gross New Business targets.
Support the assigned TAL/FAL for project centricity within the organization by enabling the project delivery team assigned to an awarded project to understand and implement the project strategy that was sold. Partner with BD and Operations to create compelling delivery strategies and solutions for clinical studies or programs that incorporate and leverage Worldwide services and experience, are operationally feasible, and result in the award of new business.
Collaborate with Sales to evaluate and manage new opportunities received from customers from receipt through to the award decision. This may include, but is not limited to, standalone programs and projects, requests for information (RFI), capabilities, early engagement, and partnering discussions.
In support of TAL and BD, work with key internal stakeholders to analyze information and data that enable the development of efficient and feasible delivery solutions. Contribute to the development of the budget (service fees and pass-through costs) associated with the proposed project strategy. The budget should be competitive and in line with the contribution margin targets and pricing strategy agreed with Sales, leadership, and other stakeholders.
Support the TAL and Account Director to guide and mentor the assigned Project Leader through a comprehensive handover of the project strategy and facilitate their understanding so that they can confidently present the project strategy to the client and the internal stakeholders.
Actively support Sales in the preparation and conduct of customer and bid defense meetings, e.g., training and preparation of the assigned project team; provide specific content; ensure presentation focus and that content effectively conveys project strategy and critical win themes. Attend and present at customer meetings, bid defense, or partnership meetings, as required (based on the strategy for selling the opportunity).
Work in conjunction with the Therapeutic Area Leads, Business Development, and Marketing to develop commercial strategy and corresponding marketing campaigns to drive the gross business targets.
Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
What you bring to the role
Remain up to date with knowledge and information that support effectiveness as a Therapeutic Strategy Lead, e.g., understanding Worldwide’s services and product offerings, status and trends in assigned TA(s), innovations and advances in clinical trial methodology, and business intelligence.
Broad protocol knowledge and experience.
Strong understanding of other Worldwide functions.
Proven ability to make decisions with limited information, bringing clarity to disparate information to inform actions and drive results.
Experience working productively in a pressurized environment, balancing strategic priorities and maintaining a positive outlook at work; handles feedback well and learns from it.
Comprehensive global knowledge, awareness, and practical understanding of the biopharma industry, drug development lifecycle, and operational clinical trial delivery.
Robust and current knowledge of the scientific, clinical, regulatory, commercial, and competitive landscape in the applicable therapeutic area.
In-depth knowledge of, and skill in applying, applicable clinical research regulatory requirements; i.e., Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International.
Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Demonstrated ability to understand customer needs, have difficult conversations with internal/external stakeholders and customers, negotiate solutions, and understand impacts on the overall offering. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including a good command of the English language (both written and spoken).
Strong leadership skills, ability to work with minimal supervision, and lead a virtual team in a matrix organization.
Innovative and strategic thinker.
Strong business acumen, including confidence with financial considerations, excellent negotiation and influencing skills, and comfort working in both sales and operational environments.
Flexible and able to work in situations where specifications may or may not be well defined, and willing to support work in other therapeutic areas when required.
Confident and capable in the use of technology, applications, and other media, e.g., databases and the internet, to research, assess new opportunities, maintain currency of therapeutic knowledge, and the competitive landscape.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide network of individuals, e.g., coworkers, managers, and customers.
Effective mentoring and training skills foster learning and knowledge sharing with colleagues.
Your experience
Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field.
Advanced degree preferred, with specialization in one or more therapeutic areas and 10+ years of global clinical research experience, including hands-on operational delivery and/or drug development experience.
Proven track record in operational delivery and/or drug development; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Promotion to the next level is not automatic based on years of experience.
Personnel are evaluated on proven competency, level of responsibility, and ability to work independently.
Promotion to the next level is not automatic based on years of experience. Personnel are evaluated on proven competency, level of responsibility, and ability to work independently.
At Worldwide Clinical Trials, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace by providing transparent compensation.
The salary range for this position is annually (For hourly paid positions, the stated salary range reflects hourly rates):
United States of America - $179,500.00 - $356,500.00
The salary range provided is intended to give candidates an understanding of potential earnings. Compensation will fall within the provided range, and it not a guarantee of exact salary. The final salary will be determined based on relevant experience, performance, education, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, we offer a competitive benefits package depending on location. We ensure pay equity and transparency and comply with all applicable labor laws. Salary information will be discussed during the interview process, and we encourage candidates to inquire about compensation at any stage.
We love knowing that someone is going to have a better life because of the work we do.
To view our other roles, check out our careers page at Discover a world of difference at Worldwide ! For more information on Worldwide, visit www.Worldwide.com or connect with us on LinkedIn .
See All 6 Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Jobs in North Carolina
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Find JobsTherapeutic Recreation Specialist Jobs by City in North Carolina
Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in therapeutic recreation specialist jobs across North Carolina.
- Active Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential recognized in North Carolina
- Bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a closely related therapeutic services field
- Experience delivering therapeutic recreation programs in clinical or residential care settings
- Ability to assess patient needs and develop individualized treatment plans
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification required at time of hire
- Strong documentation skills and familiarity with electronic health record systems
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a therapeutic recreation specialist in North Carolina?
You become a therapeutic recreation specialist in North Carolina by earning a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field, completing a supervised clinical internship, and passing the national certification exam administered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification to earn the CTRS credential. North Carolina does not issue a separate state license for therapeutic recreation specialists, so the CTRS is the primary professional credential employers require statewide.
Which companies hire therapeutic recreation specialists in North Carolina?
North Carolina therapeutic recreation specialist roles are posted by UNC Health, Bottom Up Outreach Center, and Local Point PT & Wellness and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. North Carolina's large integrated health systems, state-operated psychiatric hospitals, and county-level mental health centers consistently maintain the most active therapeutic recreation openings across the state.
Which North Carolina cities have the most therapeutic recreation specialist jobs?
Raleigh, North Carolina, and Greensboro have the most therapeutic recreation specialist openings in North Carolina. Charlotte and Raleigh lead because of their large integrated hospital networks and growing behavioral health infrastructure, while Greensboro draws demand through anchor institutions like Cone Health and regional long-term care campuses that maintain dedicated therapeutic recreation departments.
Are there remote therapeutic recreation specialist jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of therapeutic recreation specialist openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on, patient-facing nature of most therapeutic recreation work. The positions most likely to include remote components are supervisory or program coordination roles that involve documentation, care planning, and staff oversight rather than direct patient treatment.
How can I get hired as a therapeutic recreation specialist in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing your required clinical internship with a North Carolina facility, since many large employers such as Atrium Health and Novant Health convert strong interns into entry-level hires. New graduates can also target activity assistant or recreation aide positions at skilled nursing facilities and community behavioral health programs across the state, then work toward full CTRS eligibility. Earning the CTRS credential, even provisionally, and gaining experience in adjacent roles like activity director assistant or group therapy support moves candidates ahead in North Carolina hiring queues.
Where can I find and apply to therapeutic recreation specialist jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to therapeutic recreation specialist jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your credentials and experience, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 6 Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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