Activity Therapist

Acadia Healthcare•Columbia, MO

18h

About The Position

The Activity Therapist helps patients improve their mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being through therapeutic activities and recreation programs. The role assesses patient interests and needs, develops individualized treatment plans, leads group and individual activity sessions, and supports patients in building skills that promote independence and recovery. Activities may include art, music, recreation, exercise, leisure education, relaxation techniques, and community-based experiences. The therapist plans and implements activities and interventions that support patient treatment goals, adapts activities for specific groups, and promotes patient safety. The role also requires a compassionate, energetic, patient-centered approach, strong communication skills, and creativity. CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification are required; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility. First aid may be required depending on state or facility requirements. Management may add or remove duties as circumstances dictate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related field.
Three or more years of recreation experience in a healthcare setting, with knowledge of the patient population served by the facility.
CTRS certification or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; or certification in a specialty area such as art, dance, or music; or clinical professional licensure (such as LCPC or LPC) with certification in an expressive therapy area.
CPR certification.
De-escalation and restraint certification; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assess patients through observation and patient and family interviews to identify needs, skills, interests, and limitations for treatment planning.
Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within the treatment program to facilitate patient 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, and relaxation techniques tailored 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 that support independence.
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.
Recognize and prioritize patient safety.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.