Activity Assistant

Acadia Healthcare; Alexandria (LA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare seeks a Recreation/Activity Specialist to plan, develop, organize and direct recreational activities for patients within the facility. This role emphasizes safety, empathy and professional patient interactions in a healthcare setting.

The incumbent will lead group and individual activities, document progress, and ensure programs align with facility policies while maintaining patient safety as a top priority. Prior healthcare recreation experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree in activity therapy or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility also preferred.

Responsibilities

• Organize, lead and promote interest in recreational activities to patients and their families.
• Serve as a resource for new patients introducing them to other patients and staff, explaining programs and encouraging participation.
• Explain the rules of activities and instruct participants at a variety of skill levels.
• Document activity interventions and patient progress in the medical record per facility documentation requirements.
• Seek supervision and support when complications arise in dealing with a patient either in an individual or group setting.
• Enforce safety rules to prevent injury and modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
• Organize and set up the equipment that is used in recreational activities.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Skills

Activity planning

Patient engagement

Communication

Safety awareness

Documentation

Problem solving

Team collaboration

De-escalation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in activity therapy or related field

Job description

Purpose Statement

Assist with planning, developing, organizing, implementing and directing individual and group activities/recreation within the facility.

Essential Functions

• Organize, lead and promote interest in recreational activities to patients and their families.


• Serve as a resource for new patients introducing them to other patients and staff, explaining programs and encouraging participation.


• Explain the rules of activities and instruct participants at a variety of skill levels.


• Document activity interventions and patient progress in the medical record per facility documentation requirements.


• Seek supervision and support when complications arise in dealing with a patient either in an individual or group setting.


• Enforce safety rules to prevent injury and modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.


• Organize and set up the equipment that is used in recreational activities.


• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

Other Functions

• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skill Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Associate’s degree in activity therapy or related field preferred.


• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility also preferred.

Licenses/Designations/Certifications

• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).


• First aid may be required based on state or facility.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.