Faculty Member of Recreational Therapy - Virginia Staffing : Job Details

Shape the Future of Recreational Therapy at Old Dominion University! The School of Rehabilitation Sciences in the Ellmer College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University invites applications for a full-time, 10-month non-tenure track faculty position in Recreational Therapy. We are seeking an energetic and student-centered educator with a passion for preparing the next generation of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and advancing the profession through innovative teaching, interprofessional collaboration, and service.

ODU's Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree in Recreational Therapy is an exemplary undergraduate educational program with a sustaining track record of outstanding commitment to academic rigor, student success, and professional leadership. Students complete a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on community-engaged learning, and a 14-week, 560-hour internship as required by the NCTRC credentialing standards. The program is housed within a school dedicated to interprofessional education and collaborative rehabilitation sciences, which includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Training, providing robust opportunities for interprofessional education and scholarly collaboration.

The candidate will:

• Teach undergraduate courses in recreational therapy and related topics
• Advise and mentor students pursuing a bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy
• Participate in curriculum development and program evaluation
• Engage in service to the School, College, University, and profession
• Contribute to the development of a strong academic and clinical learning environment
• Collaborate with faculty across disciplines in interprofessional teaching and service initiatives

Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University is a research-intensive, public institution committed to innovation, inclusion, and community engagement. The School of Rehabilitation Sciences provides a vibrant academic environment for faculty dedicated to student success, interprofessional learning, and service to the broader community. The ODU Recreational Therapy Program is a model of academic excellence and leadership in the field and an ideal home for educators who want to make a lasting impact.

Position Type: Full Time

Minimum required education and/or special licenses, registrations, trainings, or certifications:

• Master's degree in Recreational Therapy or Therapeutic Recreation OR Bachelors Degree in Recreational Therapy or Therapeutic Recreation and Masters Degree in Related Field earned by July 25, 2026
• Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in good standing with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
• Minimum of three years of related experience, including at least one year of direct service in recreational therapy by July 25, 2026

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching undergraduate recreational therapy coursework
• Active service and leadership within the recreational therapy profession
• Experience with interprofessional collaboration in academic or practice-based environment
• Proficiency in current NCTRC-required competencies for professional certification
• Familiarity with CARTE accreditation standards and the accreditation process

Conditions of Employment:

All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment.

Location: Norfolk, VA

Job Open Date: 08/29/2025

Application Review Date: 10/03/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates must apply at

and attach the following with their online application:

A letter of application addressing interest in and qualifications

A current curriculum vitae

A statement of teaching philosophy and approaches.

Unofficial graduate transcripts

Names, email addresses and telephone numbers of three references from academic and professional sources.

Interested applicants may also contact the Search Committee Chair, Ms. Shelly Beaver ([email protected]), directly for further information. The position will remain open until it is filled.

Equity Statement:

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sex or gender, national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision:

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information.

About the College:

Old Dominion University is a residential, research-extensive public institution with a total student enrollment of about 25,000 students, approximately 6,000 of whom are graduate students. Old Dominion University is a minority serving institution (MIS); one third of the students are from minority backgrounds and over 1,100 are international students from 94 countries. Old Dominion University has a diverse faculty of over 750, of which 40% are women. The University's primary campus is located in Norfolk, VA, one of the seven cities that make up the historic Hampton Roads region of Virginia which, with a diverse population of 1.7 million, is a major recreation area and home to the Port of Virginia and the largest naval base in the world.

About the Department:

The School of Rehabilitation Sciences offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a Master of Athletic Training program in addition to its Recreational Therapy program. In addition, the School participates in a college-wide Kinesiology and Rehabilitation doctoral program. ODU recently merged with Eastern Virginia Medical School to form the new Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences. This has created an exciting new collaborative environment with the programs available from each entity. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and stable faculty.