Certified Activity Therapist

Henry Ford Behavioral Health•West Bloomfield, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Certified Activity Therapist to join its multidisciplinary treatment team. The therapist plans, coordinates, and facilitates therapeutic recreation and expressive therapy programs aligned with patients’ individualized treatment plans. In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, the role provides structured activities to promote emotional wellness, social interaction, skill development, and recovery. The hospital provides specialized mental health treatment for adolescents, adults, and senior adults in a modern behavioral health setting in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Its facilities include contemporary treatment spaces and six outdoor therapeutic healing areas. The organization describes its care as evidence-based and its culture as collaborative, mission-driven, and focused on compassionate patient care.

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.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), or certification in a recognized specialty area such as Art Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, or Music Therapy.
CPR certification, or ability to obtain it upon hire.
De-escalation and restraint certification; training is provided by the facility.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.
First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

Assess patients through observation and patient and family interviews, gathering information about needs, skills, interests, and limitations to inform treatment plans.
Plan, organize, direct, and implement activities within the treatment program to support patient progress toward treatment goals.
Plan and implement activities programs that include 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, or relaxation techniques tailored to their needs.
Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that reflect patient needs and interests and support 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 unmet patient needs and complaints, prioritizing patient safety.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.