Activity Assistant

Peak Behavioral Health; Santa Teresa (NM); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Peak Behavioral Health in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, is seeking an Activity Assistant to plan, implement, and direct individual and group recreational activities for patients in an acute psychiatric setting.

The role supports psychosocial rehabilitation, orients patients to programs, and ensures safe, engaging activities. A high school diploma is required; an associate degree is preferred. CPR and restraint training are required, with onsite certification available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree in activity therapy or related field preferred.
• CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required.

Responsibilities

• Orients patients to the activities program and explains benefits.
• Maintains awareness of patient needs and motivates participation.
• Organizes and sets up equipment used in recreational activities.
• Documents activity interventions and patient progress in the medical record.
• Enforces safety rules and adapts activities to patient needs.
• Promotes interest in recreational activities and assists with planning new activities.

Skills

CPR

De-escalation

Restraint certification

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in activity therapy or related field preferred

Job description

Activity Assistant | Peak Behavioral Health | Santa Teresa, New MexicoAbout the Job:PURPOSE STATEMENT:The Activity Assistant provides support with planning, developing, organizing, implementing, and directing individual and group activities/recreation within the facility. Assists in conducting comprehensive recreational therapy services designed to facilitate the psychosocial rehabilitation of patients in an acute psychiatric health care facility.Roles and Responsibilities:ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Serves as a resource for new patients introducing them to other patients and staff, explaining programs and encouraging participation. Orients patients to the activities program, explaining the benefits of activities.Maintains an awareness of patient's needs and individual goals while motivating patients towards activities which are beneficial to them. Observes patients’ interest levels and behaviors.Interacts and devotes time specifically to the patients the duration of activity. Communicates with patients on their level of understanding. Listens attentively to any patient complaints and works in a positive manner to help alleviate the problem.Assists with activity planning by offering new activity ideas and diverse therapeutic recreation program.Organizes and sets up the equipment that is used in recreational activities. Provides patients with activity resources and supplies, as needed.Helps keep the activity areas neat and organized to help maintain a safe environment.Engages patients in individual and/or group recreation programming. Promotes interest in recreational activities.Explains the rules of activities and instructs participants at a variety of skill levels.Documents activity interventions and patient progress in the medical record per facility documentation requirements. Documents hours of patient attendance and participation in activities daily and any unusual behavior or statements made by the patients.Enforces safety rules to prevent injury and modifies activities to suit the needs of specific groups.Helps to develop and maintain departmental resources, sharing the responsibility to monitor equipment and supplies.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 and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).First aid may be required based on state or facility.WORK LOCATION:This position is onsite at the facility and is not a remote position.SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:This position is an Individual Contributor.Why Peak Behavioral Health?Peak Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. Peak Behavioral Health is an EOE.Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.