Activity Therapist

Acadia•Council Bluffs, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Activity Therapist will plan, direct, and implement activity therapy programs as a component of the patient’s treatment plan. This role is part of a new 96-bed inpatient behavioral health hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, a partnership between Acadia Healthcare and Methodist Health System. The hospital will offer a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient care for adults, seniors, and youth, addressing a significant behavioral health bed shortage in the region. The facility is scheduled to open in June 2026.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy or related field required.
Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility required.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required.
CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview, obtaining information on the patient’s needs, skills, interests and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
Plan, organize, direct and implement the activities within the treatment program to facility patient progress with treatment goals.
Plan and implement an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness.
Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well-being.
Instruct patients in activities and techniques, such are sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs.
Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and helps the patient achieve his/her 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 towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.