Activity Therapist - Full Time

Ocean view psychiatric hospital • Long Beach, CA

39d • $23 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Activity Therapist functions under the Director of Social Services to plan, develop, coordinate, and implement therapeutic treatment programs and activities tailored to meet the needs and interests of each patient in the facility. The position conducts recreation therapy groups and services, including assessments, group notes, individual sessions, treatment planning, and discharge planning. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, in Long Beach, California.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational, therapeutic recreation, art, music, or drama therapy; degrees in leisure studies or physical education with a dedicated therapeutic recreation concentration or coursework track are also accepted.
• At least two years of direct service experience working with acute behavioral health in an inpatient hospital setting; internship or practicum hours may be considered.
• Ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across disciplines and departments.
• Sound professional judgment and clinical judgment where applicable to licensure or role.
• Proficiency using computers and standard keyboard functions for data entry and electronic documentation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English.
• Current CPR, BLS, and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
• Understanding of and compliance with Patients' Rights, LPS Statutes, and Seclusion and Restraint Protocols.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish or other languages commonly spoken by the patient population.
• Prior experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for documentation and coordination of care.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams) and/or cloud-based communication platforms such as Slack or Zoom.
• Crisis prevention or intervention training (e.g., HWC, CPI, PMAB) or de-escalation certification.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and culturally responsive practices.
• Leadership experience or demonstrated capacity to mentor others.

Responsibilities

• Implement rehabilitation activity groups for patients as needed.
• Conduct activity groups and services of the Recreation Therapy Treatment Program, including assessments, group notes, one-to-one sessions, treatment planning, and discharge planning.
• Monitor patient safety during hygiene and activity groups.
• Maintain quality verbal reporting and written documentation of patient involvement and progress.
• Coordinate treatment and unit activities with other programs and multidisciplinary staff.
• Monitor safety and order in rehabilitation group rooms and unit areas.
• Provide feedback on department and program policies and procedures.
• Represent Recreation Therapy on facility committees and in interactions with patients’ families and support systems.
• Document admissions, discharges, and group participation, and complete screenings and treatment plan interventions within required timeframes.
• Attend multidisciplinary treatment planning meetings.
• Provide individual leisure counseling and discharge planning as needed.
• Complete data collection for performance improvement activities.
• Keep assigned areas clean, orderly, and safe.
• Supervise and advise RT interns and assistants.
• Work designated holidays as required.
• Comply with Patients' Rights, LPS Statutes, and Seclusion and Restraint Protocols.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for qualifying employees.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and advancement within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time