Activity Therapist

Acadia Healthcare•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

Plan, direct, and implement activity therapy programs as a component of patients’ treatment plans. The role includes assessing patient needs, skills, interests, and limitations; developing and carrying out treatment activities and interventions; and supporting patients’ mental and physical well-being, social skills, and progress toward treatment goals. The therapist is expected to maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude, address patient complaints, and prioritize patient safety. Other duties may be assigned as circumstances require.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related field.
At least three years of recreation experience in a healthcare setting, with knowledge of the patient population served by the facility.
CTRS certification or currently pursuing national certification; alternatively, certification in a specialty area such as art, dance, or music, or clinical professional licensure such as LCPC or LPC with expressive therapy certification.
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 recreation experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Assess patients through observation and interviews with patients and families to identify needs, skills, interests, and limitations for treatment planning.
Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within treatment programs to support patient progress toward treatment goals.
Plan and implement programs 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, and relaxation, tailored to their needs.
Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and support treatment goals.
Engage patients in therapeutic activities such as exercise, games, and community outings.
Help patients develop social skills needed to become or remain independent.
Modify activities to meet 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.
Prioritize patient safety.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.