Activity Therapist

Shorewood Behavioral Health•Madison, WI

About The Position

Plan, direct, and implement activity therapy programs as a component of the patient’s treatment plan. The Activity Therapist assesses patients’ needs, skills, interests, and limitations, then develops and delivers therapeutic activities and interventions to support treatment goals, progress, mental and physical well-being, and independence. The role also requires a positive, empathetic, and professional approach to patients and attention to patient safety and concerns. A bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred. At least three years of recreation experience in a healthcare setting, with knowledge of the facility’s patient population, is required. The position requires a relevant therapeutic recreation, specialty-area, or clinical professional credential, along with CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification. First aid may be required depending on state or facility requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related field.
Three or more years of recreation experience in a healthcare setting.
Knowledge of the patient population served by the facility.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; or certification in a specialty area such as art, dance, or music; or clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in an expressive therapy area.
CPR certification.
De-escalation and restraint certification; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting.
First aid, if required by state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

Complete activity assessments through patient observation and patient/family interviews, gathering information about patients’ needs, skills, interests, and limitations for treatment planning.
Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within the treatment program to support patient progress toward treatment goals.
Plan and implement activity programs, including therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education, and leisure awareness.
Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patients’ mental and physical well-being.
Instruct patients in activities and techniques such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques tailored to their needs.
Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and help them achieve treatment goals.
Engage patients in therapeutic activities, including exercise, games, and community outings.
Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent.
Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers; acknowledge and work to resolve unmet patient needs or complaints; and prioritize patient safety.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.