Activity Specialist - IBH - Full Time - 9A-5:30P

Broadlawns Medical Center•Socorro, NM

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Nursing Director, the Activities Specialist develops and implements therapeutic group activities based on identified patient needs and provides direct care for Inpatient Behavioral Health patients. The position is an active and integral part of the interdisciplinary team. The specialist uses therapeutic communication in individual and small-group interactions; selects, creates, or adapts developmentally and age-appropriate therapeutic activities; creates and follows a weekly calendar of events posted for patients and staff; and tracks and reports patient participation. The specialist uses evidence-based practices to manage aggressive behavior and maintains a therapeutic milieu to reduce restraint and seclusion while ensuring patient and staff safety. Therapeutic experiences should promote patient growth and skill development.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one of the following: completion of at least two years of college in Therapeutic Recreation, Human Services, or a related field; completion of one year of college in Human Services or a related field; or two years of recent experience as a behavioral health technician and the ability to complete the BMC Mental Health class within six months of hire.
At least one year of recent experience as a recreational therapist aide, activity specialist, or in a similar role.
Ability to complete required computer training, including network access and CMS, within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide therapeutic communication with patients in one-to-one and small-group interactions.
Select, create, or adapt therapeutic activities consistent with patient needs and appropriate to patients’ ages and developmental levels.
Create and adhere to a weekly calendar of events posted for patients and staff.
Track and report patient participation in activities and groups.
Use evidence-based practice to manage aggressive behavior.
Maintain a therapeutic milieu to reduce restraint or seclusion while protecting staff and patient safety.
Provide therapeutic experiences that promote patient growth and skill development.