Activity Therapist / Recreation Therapist

UHS•Anchorage, AK

About The Position

Activities and Recreation Therapist - Join Our Team at North Star Behavioral Health North Star Behavioral Health, Alaska's premier mental health facility, is on a mission to provide hope and healing to individuals facing psychiatric or substance abuse challenges. We specialize in military-specific care for first responders, service members, veterans, and their dependents through the Chris Kyle Patriots Hospital. Our commitment is to prioritize patient care, offering excellence, comfort, and security during their most vulnerable moments. Join us, and you'll become part of a supportive network of peers and leaders dedicated to continuous learning and industry excellence. At North Star, your career can thrive through robust education opportunities and advancement within the Universal Health Services (UHS) network. Who is North Star: At North Star Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to delivering a level of care that not only meets but exceeds expectations. Our vision is simple yet profound: to provide care that patients enthusiastically recommend to their family and friends, care that physicians prefer for their patients, and care that our employees take pride in delivering every day. We uphold this vision by wholeheartedly embracing the following principles: Service Excellence Continuous Improvement Employee Development Ethical and Fair Treatment Teamwork Compassion Innovation Our commitment to excellence isn't just a slogan—it's a way of life at North Star Behavioral Health. If you share these values and are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families facing mental health challenges, we invite you to join our team. Together, we can continue to provide the highest level of care and create a brighter future for those we serve.

Requirements

Clinical Expertise: A bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, humanities, social work or a related therapeutic discipline field.
Therapeutic Skills: Proficiency in providing psychotherapeutic services.
Communication: Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Licensure: State of Alaska CTRS Preferred

Responsibilities

Completes Activity Therapy assessment on patients, ensuring each assessment is thorough and addresses all required fields.
Participates in development of Master Treatment Plan and recommends effective alternatives or modification to treatment plans based on patient progress and response to treatment program.
Provides therapeutic recreation and activity therapy groups; able to provide a variety of appropriate therapeutic interventions depending on client needs and abilities.
Establishes a positive rapport and minimizes resistance with a wide variety of patients.
Manages group process to maximize therapeutic benefit to patients.
Documents patients’ response, progress, and behavior in the group in a complete and timely manner.
Maintains a safe, orderly, and therapeutic physical environment for patients and staff members; maintains a clean and organized activity therapy area.
Demonstrates and/or explains the correct use of equipment and safety involved in various recreational or experimental activities.
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of behavioral concepts applicable to the treatment of psychiatric patient population.
Communicates with the DON/ Manager regarding planned activities for the day, patient acuity, expected group participants, personnel schedule changes, etc.
Collaborates on unit schedule with building leadership to develop a robust and therapeutic programming schedule
Demonstrate proper belay, knots, and Challenge by Choice” techniques in facilitating ropes course.
Maintain supplies and equipment necessary for the safe and effective operation of the ropes course.
Act individually or in concert with another individual in the operation of the ropes course.
Transport patients via company vehicle when providing a community integration outing.
Performs other duties as assigned.