Activity Specialist

University of Missouri Health Care; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Missouri Health Care is seeking a compassionate Activity Specialist for a PRN role at the Missouri Psychiatric Center. The role focuses on leading recreational, diversional, and therapeutic activities to support patients’ emotional and social well-being in a safe, welcoming environment.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least six months of healthcare-related experience, with strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with therapy

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months of healthcare or related experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct recreational, diversional, and therapeutic groups per treatment plan.
• Encourage patient participation in therapeutic opportunities.
• Assist therapy staff in evaluating patient progress and documenting.
• Supervise patients during groups and transport them as needed.
• Coordinate supplies for the department and maintain a clean, safe work area.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Shift: PRN Position

Department: Missouri Psychiatric Center

Compensation

• Base Pay Range: $17.20/hour
• Shift Differentials: Additional $1.50 per hour for weekend shift

ABOUT THE JOB

MU Health Care is looking for a compassionate, energetic, and creative Activity Specialist who is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The ideal candidate brings a positive, patient-centered mindset and thrives on building connections while encouraging individuals to engage in therapeutic and recreational experiences. We seek someone who is adaptable, observant, and motivated to support patients’ emotional and social well-being through engaging group activities. A strong team player with excellent communication skills, this individual is eager to collaborate with therapy staff while also confidently taking initiative when leading activities independently. The right candidate is organized, dependable, and attentive to detail, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants. Join MU Health Care and be part of a team dedicated to inspiring progress, fostering engagement, and supporting every patient’s journey toward wellness.

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE

MU Health Care is proud to be named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Employers seven years in a row, and that’s largely a result of the incredible culture and team we’ve built. At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. Here, we believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger — to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.

Our academic health system — the only in mid-Missouri — is home to seven hospitals, including the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and region’s only Children’s Hospital, as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions — with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Learn more about MU Health Care.

Learn more about living in mid-Missouri.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

• Plan and conduct recreational, diversional, and therapeutic groups, and coordinate tasks or activities that relate to the goals and needs of the patient as per their treatment plan, under the guidance of a therapeutic recreation specialist or occupational therapist.
• Encourage and facilitate patient participation in therapeutic opportunities and activities.
• Assist therapy staff in evaluating patient’s progress and identifying deficits, and assisting with documentation.
• Assist therapy staff in leading groups by supervising patients, taking notes on their participation, escorting patients to and from groups, and facilitating their participation.
• Coordinate the ordering and inventorying of supplies for the department.
• Maintain the safety and cleanliness of the Therapy Department work areas. Assist with infection control procedures in shared therapeutic areas.
• Prepare materials for groups including preparing craft materials.
• Assist with supervising patients during treatment sessions.
• Offer alternative activities on the unit for patients who may not be ready for group sessions.
• Independently lead diversional groups during the weekends and evenings.
• Document patients’ behavior and participation in diversional groups.
• May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities can be acquired.
• Six (6) months of healthcare or related experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and may require ambulating, remaining in a stationary position and positioning self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 lbs and occasionally move objects up to 25 lbs.

This role may also routinely come into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.