Activity Therapist

Belmont Behavioral Health System • Philadelphia, PA

4d

About The Position

The Activity Therapist plans, directs, and implements activity therapy programs as part of patients’ treatment plans. The role includes assessing patient needs, skills, interests, and limitations; developing and carrying out activity interventions aligned with treatment goals; and leading therapeutic activities that support patients’ mental and physical well-being, social skills, and independence. Activities may include therapeutic leisure, sports, dance, music, art, relaxation techniques, exercise, games, and community outings. The therapist adapts activities to meet the needs of specific groups and maintains a positive, empathetic, and professional approach, addressing patient concerns and prioritizing safety. Other duties may be assigned.

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), or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; or 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 and de-escalation and restraint certification; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.
• First aid may be required based 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 determine needs, skills, interests, and limitations.
• Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within treatment programs to support progress toward treatment goals.
• Plan and implement activities programs that 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 to meet their specific needs.
• Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that address patient needs and interests and support 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; acknowledge and work to resolve complaints when patient needs are not met; and prioritize patient safety.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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