Activity Therapist

CenterPointe Hospital Columbia • Columbia, MO

2d

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, needs, skills, and limitations; develops and implements individualized treatment plans; and leads group and individual activity sessions. Activities may include art, music, recreation, exercise, leisure education, relaxation techniques, and community-based experiences. The therapist supports patients in building skills that promote independence and recovery, while maintaining a compassionate, professional, patient-centered approach and prioritizing patient safety.

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 and 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, which may be required depending on state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients through observation and patient and family interviews, gathering information about needs, skills, interests, and limitations to support treatment planning.
• Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within the treatment program to facilitate progress toward treatment goals.
• Plan and implement activities including therapeutic leisure skills, 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 reflect patient needs and interests and support achievement of 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; acknowledge and work to resolve unmet patient needs and complaints, recognizing patient safety as a priority.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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