Activities Therapist - Nursing Inpatient Psychiatric - Per Diem

NYU Langone Health•Patchogue, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Activity Therapist is responsible for providing high-quality patient care, displaying good skills in assessment, group treatment, and therapeutic milieu. The Activity Therapist completes functional assessments on all Inpatient Psychiatric patients and works as an integral member of the treatment team to provide an individualized therapeutic milieu treatment approach for the patients. The Activity Therapist assists with program development and provides activity groups and events that assist the patient toward their recovery. Collaborates with internal and external agencies to provide groups, events, and activities that meet the treatment needs of the patients. Is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of Activity schedule, supplies, and storage. Utilizes their creative skills to present educational and community resource information for patients.

Requirements

Minimum of Bachelor's degree in recreational therapy and/or Creative Arts Therapy (Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama Therapy or Dance/Movement Therapy)
Certification by the appropriate credentialing organization and/or Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT)
At least one years experience working with Inpatient Psychiatric Patients preferred.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work productively and effectively, as part of multidisciplinary team .
Ability to respond to crisis situations in a calm and professional manner.

Nice To Haves

At least one years experience working with Inpatient Psychiatric Patients

Responsibilities

Plans and implements the unit’s activity therapy program, including planning of daily events, special events and providing inservice for other staff participating in the activity therapy program, as appropriate.
Conducts divisional therapy program, including planning and arranging for guest speakers and/or external agency participation.
Conducts activity therapy group sessions, displaying good theoretical knowledge of group principles and good group techniques.
Conducts individual activity therapy sessions, as assigned, displaying good theoretical knowledge and good treatment technique.
Completes activity therapy evaluations as per Policy and procedure.
Communicates pertinent patient information and observations with the treatment team, and documents accordingly.
Displays good interviewing, assessment and report-writing skills.
Provides education and referral information for patients as needed.
Acts as Activity Therapist consultant to other areas within hospital setting as needed.
Demonstrates appropriate understanding of the needs of patients and visitors for each specific age group.
Addresses safety and psychological needs of the age groups in planning and delivering care.
Ensures confidentiality of all patient information encountered by obtaining required consents or releases of information for every situation for every patient.
Completes assessments, progress notes and treatment plans in a timely and high-quality fashion and according to department standards.
Participates in providing a safe environment for patients and others. Sets limits and restrictions in a considerate and humane manner.
Protects patient’s privacy and patient’s rights.
Participates as a member of the team in community meetings, didactic groups, group therapy and family meetings.
Documents pertinent information regarding patient participation and involvement in the therapeutic milieu as team member.
Is responsible for ordering, maintenance, and organization of activity supplies. Ensures all supplies are safely locked and secures at all times.
Participates in ongoing evaluation of the therapeutic milieu and reports non-therapeutic components to the RN.
Observes and evaluates interactions of patients and families with staff and peers.
Performs other duties assigned by management team or charge nurse.
Accepts assignment to other areas of the Behavioral Health department and other departments as requested by Behavioral Health Management Team or Nursing Supervision.
Attends all staff meetings as directed by Behavioral Health Management staff.
Works effectively with other Hospital departments.
Works effectively and collaboratively with other areas of the Behavioral Health department.
Shows willingness to be cross-trained to support other areas of the department as needed.
Displays a positive attitude and outlook (verbal and nonverbal body language).
Works effectively in a variety of situations, recognizes the need for change, can cope with its threatening aspects, and puts its positive aspects to good use.
Able to successfully manage customer experiences.
Works in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration to achieve mutual goals.
Able to know what needs to be done and takes action, striving for the highest level of job performance.
Able to organize work and use time effectively.
Treats others with interest, concern and compassion; respecting differences in style, approach, and background.
Maintains positive work relationships.
Able to convey ideas and information clearly.
Able to accept constructive feedback and integrate into performance.
Able to redirect day-to-day activities based on departmental/organizational needs.
Offers solutions to problems, when appropriate.