Activity Therapist

CenterPointe Hospital Columbia • Columbia, MO

3d

About The Position

Join the team at CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia as an Activity Therapist, helping patients improve their mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being through therapeutic activities and recreation programs. The role involves assessing patients’ interests and needs, developing individualized treatment plans, leading group and individual activity sessions, and supporting 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 ideal candidate is compassionate and energetic, enjoys engaging with patients and facilitating therapeutic groups, and creates meaningful experiences that support treatment goals and positive outcomes. Strong communication skills, creativity, and a patient-centered approach are essential. The position requires a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related field, at least three years of healthcare recreation experience, and an applicable certification or clinical licensure. CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification are required; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.

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; alternatively, certification in a specialty area such as art, dance, or music, or clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in an expressive therapy area.
• CPR certification; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.
• 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.
• First aid, where required by state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients through observation and patient or family interviews, gathering information about needs, skills, interests, and limitations to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within the treatment program to facilitate patient 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 suited to their needs.
• Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and help achieve 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.
• Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers; acknowledge and work to resolve unmet patient needs and complaints; prioritize patient safety.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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