Expressive Therapist - Behavioral Health Group Homes (Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm)

University Health

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Expressive Therapist Are you an Expressive Therapist, Certified Recreation Therapist (CTRS) or recent graduate looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with severe and persistent mental illness? Join our team in Kansas City, MO, where your creativity, compassion, and expertise will play a key role in helping our residents thrive in their recovery journey. We’re looking for an Expressive Therapist or Recreation Therapist who is passionate about building relationships with clients, creating tailored activity programs, and leading therapeutic experiences that meet our residents where they are. You’ll be working in a group home setting and out in the community, helping clients discover their adaptive mode—the place where they feel their best and are fully engaged in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. If you enjoy working with a diverse population, getting people involved in the community, and adapting your approach to meet evolving needs, this position could be perfect for you!

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college program with major in Recreation Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Drama Therapy or Dance and Movement Therapy.
• Must have current certification or registry in Recreation Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Drama Therapy or Dance and Movement Therapy or obtain required certification or registry within 6 months of hire date to maintain employment.
• Possess, or obtain within 60 days, Heart Savers and CBMT certification and maintain current certification.
• Verbal communication skills required to lead Expressive Therapy.
• Written communication skills required to complete required documentation.
• If driving is a requirement for the employee (it is), he/she must meet the requirements specified in the Fleet Driving Safety and Compliance Policy and must continue to meet these requirements as a condition of employment.
• A valid Class E Missouri or Kansas driver’s license.
• Must be comfortable operating a 15-passenger van within two months of hire.
• Completion of training as directed through orientation and/or by Leadership, Management or Educators in the established timeline for continued employment
• Successful completion of a Family Care Registry background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, particularly schizophrenia.

Responsibilities

• Design & Lead Activities: Create and manage an engaging activity schedule based on residents’ interests. Activities may include outings to the zoo, basketball games, video game tournaments, grocery shopping, and more.
• Incorporate Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R): Receive training in this evidence-based practice and integrate it into your programs to help residents build confidence and develop life skills.
• Tailor Programs: Get to know each resident personally to adapt and evolve activities as the population changes, ensuring that each client’s unique interests and needs are met.
• Build Community Connections: Facilitate community-based activities that help residents engage with the world around them.
• Collaborate: Work closely with group home and multi-disciplinary treatment team to ensure programs align with residents’ recovery goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees