Activity Therapist I (Forensics)

State of South Carolina • Richland County, SC

23d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Activity Therapist I, who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply. This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, G. Werber Bryan/Forensics, 7901 Farrow Road, Columbia SC 29203. As the Activity Therapist I, under general supervision of the Activity Therapy Director and Direct supervision of the Activity Therapy Supervisor, you will serve as the Secondary Activity Therapist providing a comprehensive Recreational Therapy Program for mentally ill patients. You will utilize knowledge in behavioral health for treatment of adult, dually diagnosed psychiatric and behavioral health patients.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation with emphasis in Therapeutics, Art, Physical & Leisure Education, Exercise Science, Health, Music, Health Science, Sports Management, Human Performance, Fine Arts.
• Knowledge of behavior/level of functioning of adult patients.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with adult/geriatric psychiatric patients, other departments and professionals.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
• Certification with the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation or eligibility for certification
• Have knowledge and skills of principles, practices, objectives of Therapeutic Recreation in group settings.
• Have knowledge of state, federal regulations, current guidelines, policies, procedures, policies related to TR and patients in a psychiatric hospital.
• Have ability to work cooperatively and effectively with adult/geriatric psychiatric patients, other departments, and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate goal-oriented groups and leisure activities for adult patients based on individual needs and recommendations from treatment team. Assist AT II with researching materials for groups and activity ideas. (A.T. I will conduct a minimal of 18.5 active treatment hours per week).
• Complete individual Activity Therapy Service Assessment on each assigned patient; provide weekly progress notes which indicate patient attendance, patient behavior, emotional state, and changes in mental status. Provide assessment and documentation coverage for adult patients in times of staffing shortage. Complete written and electronic medical records documentation related to treatment goals on assigned patients. (Minimal caseload 8-10 patients).
• Comply with Performance Improvement and Infection Control measures. Be knowledgeable of directives, policies and procedures that meet OMH, BPH for accrediting standards and regulations.
• Provide pertinent feedback and input to Treatment Team regarding patients' progress, involvement, and schedules. Attend and participate in Treatment Team meetings. Recommend appropriate patient groups. Submit information for the Master Treatment Plan as it relates to assigned patients and groups, providing timely, accurate documentation as required. Record statistical data on a daily basis and submit monthly statistical report to Activity Therapy Supervisor.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, implementing, evaluating evening, weekend, holiday leisure activities and special/seasonal events. Assist with educating interns/students, volunteers. (A minimal 4 leisure activities/events monthly; 4 special events yearly).
• Attend Activity Therapy meetings to provide and obtain information on patients. Attend in-service training and workshops to keep therapy skills current. Provide in-service to staff regarding specialized areas of knowledge as requested. Maintain and demonstrate competency in BEST, CPR, Infection Control, Safety and Risk Management, Patient Rights, MIS, Corporate Compliance and Cultural Competence, completes Pathlore modules.
• Conduct safety checks and maintains facilities equipment and supplies. Observe and comply with rules, regulations and policies.
• Meets with Activity Therapy Supervisor Monthly.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level