Activity Therapist

Job Description

Job Summary 

Responsible for the coordination and implementation of the activity therapy program on the behavioral health unit. Works directly with patients through activity based therapy. 

Essential Functions

• Communicates effectively. Establishes and maintains two way communication with peers, staff, physicians, leaders, and administration.
• Cooperates well with peers and supports group decisions.
• Maintains a clear, neat and safe environment for patients and staff.
• Consistently uses skilled communication which demonstrates congruence between words and actions and holds others accountable for doing the same.
• Demonstrates population appropriate competencies for all relevant patient populations.
• Uses equipment safely, adhering to policy, guidelines and/or protocols set by the hospital and department.
• Ensures continuity of professional care.
• Responds to patient and family requests promptly.
• Plans and implements daily events for the activity therapy program.
• Complete documentation in a timely manner that is legible, clear and organized according to department, hospital and legal standards.
• Effectively problem solves and intervenes as appropriate.
• Orients new staff and mentors new staff and students.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited recreational therapy program or related field such as Psychology, Social Work or Healthcare or equivalent years of experience required
• Less than 2 years in recreational therapy, or successful completion of a recreational therapy program, or applicable experience in a related program or environment required
• 2-4 years experience in recreational therapy, or successful completion of a recreational therapy program, or applicable experience in a related program or environment preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in coordinating and implementing activity therapy programs.
• Expertise in activity-based therapy techniques and interventions.
• Effective communication skills to interact with patients and healthcare team members.
• Commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through therapeutic activities.
• Creativity to design engaging and effective therapeutic activities tailored to patient needs.
• Organizational skills to manage schedules, resources, and documentation.
• Empathy and compassion to understand and respond to patients' emotional and psychological needs.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly adapt and modify activities to meet the changing needs of patients.
• Knowledge of behavioral health conditions and therapeutic interventions to support patient recovery.

Licenses and Certifications

• CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist preferred
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification preferred