Activity Assistant - FT

Acadia Healthcare; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare in El Paso, TX seeks a recreation services professional to plan, develop, and direct individual and group activities for patients within the facility.

The role requires a high school diploma (associate’s degree preferred) and CPR/de‑escalation certification. Experience in healthcare recreation is preferred. The position is on-site with daily activity coordination and strict safety standards.

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 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.

Skills

Empathy

Customer service

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree in therapy or related field

Job description

Purpose Statement

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

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.