Activity Therapist

CenterPointe Hospital•St. Charles, MO

7d•$21 - $26

About The Position

The Activity Therapist plans, directs, and implements activity therapy programs as a component of patients’ treatment plans. The role assesses patients’ needs, skills, interests, and limitations, then develops and delivers therapeutic activities and interventions designed to support treatment goals and improve mental and physical well-being. Activities may include therapeutic leisure skills, leisure education, sports, dance, music, art, relaxation techniques, exercise, games, and community outings. The therapist also helps patients develop social skills for greater independence, adapts activities to suit specific groups, and maintains a positive, empathetic, professional approach while prioritizing patient safety and addressing complaints.

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.
One of the following credentials or qualifications: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; certification in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.); 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.
First aid may be required depending on state or facility requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Assess patients through observation and interviews with patients and families to identify needs, skills, interests, and limitations.
Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within the treatment program to facilitate progress toward treatment goals.
Plan and implement programs involving 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, according to their needs.
Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that address patient needs and interests and support 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 complaints when patient needs are not met; prioritize patient safety.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.