Activity Therapist

Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital•Malden, MA

12d•$30 - $36

About The Position

Activity Therapists plan, direct, and implement activity therapy programs as part of patients’ treatment plans at Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital, a state-of-the-art 144-bed facility in Malden, Massachusetts, created through a partnership between Tufts Medicine and Acadia Healthcare. The hospital is slated to open in early 2026. The position uses therapeutic activities to support patient treatment goals and mental and physical well-being.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related field.
Three or more years of experience in recreation in a healthcare setting, with knowledge of the patient population served by the facility.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), currently in the process of obtaining national certification, certification in a specialty area such as art, dance, or music, or clinical professional licensure such as LCPC or LPC with certification in an expressive therapy area.
CPR and 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, depending on state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

Complete activity assessments through patient observation and patient or family interviews, gathering information about patients’ needs, skills, interests, and limitations to develop and implement treatment plans.
Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within the treatment program to support patient progress toward treatment goals.
Plan and implement an activities program that may include 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 address patients’ needs and interests and help them achieve treatment goals.
Engage patients in therapeutic activities such as 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.
Demonstrate a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers; acknowledge and work to resolve complaints when patient needs are not met; and prioritize patient safety.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.