Activity Therapist

Purpose Statement

Plan, direct and implement activity therapy programs as a component of the patient’s treatment plan.

Employment type Full-time

Schedule Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

• Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview to obtain information on the patient’s needs, skills, interests and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
• Plan, organize, direct and implement activities within the treatment program to facilitate patient progress toward treatment goals.
• Plan and implement an activities program including therapeutic leisure skills, leisure education and leisure awareness.
• Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well-being.
• Instruct patients in activities and techniques such as sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs.
• Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and help the patient 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.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards patients. Acknowledge and work to resolve complaints when needs are not met. Prioritize patient safety.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy or related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of the patient population served by the facility required.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in a specialty area (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required.
• CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.