Part Time Activity Therapist

Acadia•New Castle, DE

About The Position

The Activity Therapist plans, directs, and implements activity therapy programs as part of patients’ treatment plans. The role assesses patients’ needs, skills, interests, and limitations through observation and interviews with patients and families, then develops and implements treatment plans and activity interventions to support patient goals. The therapist organizes and leads therapeutic activities—including leisure skills and education, exercise, games, community outings, sports, dance, music, art, and relaxation techniques—to promote patients’ mental and physical well-being and help them develop the social skills needed for independence. Activities may be modified to suit specific groups. The therapist is expected to maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude, address complaints when patient needs are unmet, and prioritize patient safety. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related field.
Three or more years of experience in recreation in a healthcare setting, with knowledge of the patient population served by the facility.
CTRS certification or current progress toward national certification; or certification in the area of specialty (such as art, dance, or music); or clinical professional licensure (such as LCPC or LPC) with expressive therapy certification.
CPR and 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 preferred.
Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess patients through observation and patient or family interviews to identify needs, skills, interests, and limitations.
Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within treatment programs to support 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 that 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 tailored to patient needs and interests and aimed at treatment goals.
Engage patients in therapeutic activities, including 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 complaints when patient needs are not met.
Prioritize patient safety.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.