Activity Specialist - IBH - PRN

Broadlawns Medical Center; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Broadlawns Medical Center is seeking an Activities Specialist to develop and implement therapeutic group activities for Inpatient Behavioral Health patients. This role works under the Nursing Director and contributes to a safe, therapeutic milieu while collaborating with the interdisciplinary team.

The position requires completion of an HS Diploma or GED, with two years of college in Therapeutic Recreation or related fields, or equivalent experience in behavioral health.

Qualifications

• Provides therapeutic communication with patients in one to one and small group interactions.
• Accurately selects, creates or adapts therapeutic activity consistent with the needs of the patient as evidenced by age appropriate and developmentally appropriate activity choices.
• Creates and adheres to a weekly calendar of events which is posted for patients and staff.
• Maintains tracking and reporting of patient participation in activities/groups.
• Uses evidence-based practice to manage aggressive behavior.
• Maintains the therapeutic milieu to reduce episodes of restraint or seclusion while at the same time providing for both staff and patient safety.
• Accurately provides therapeutic experiences that promote patient growth and skill development as evidenced through patient progress in activities involved.

Responsibilities

• Provides therapeutic communication with patients in one to one and small group interactions.
• Accurately selects, creates or adapts therapeutic activity consistent with the needs of the patient as evidenced by age appropriate and developmentally appropriate activity choices.
• Creates and adheres to a weekly calendar of events which is posted for patients and staff.
• Maintains tracking and reporting of patient participation in activities/groups.
• Uses evidence-based practice to manage aggressive behavior.
• Maintains the therapeutic milieu to reduce episodes of restraint or seclusion while at the same time providing for both staff and patient safety.
• Accurately provides therapeutic experiences that promote patient growth and skill development as evidenced through patient progress in activities involved.

Skills

Therapeutic communication

Group activities

Behavioral health

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Two years college in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

One year college in Human Services or related field

Two years experience as a behavioral health technician

Job description

The Broadlawns Medical Center campus includes an acute care hospital, primary and specialty care clinics, urgent care and emergency services, lab, radiology, dentistry, inpatient and outpatient mental health, crisis team, and community-based behavioral support services. Broadlawns accepts all forms of insurance and its approach to healthcare and quality outcomes earned a Level 3 rating from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, the highest achievable status for a medical delivery model.We are a safety net hospital and our Patients are our North Star! With a dedicated staff of over 160 physicians and 1,600 employees, Broadlawns Medical Center ensures that our community has access to high quality healthcare that is coordinated, compassionate and cost-effective. We provide our employees a top-rated benefits package, supportive work culture, and more!Activities SpecialistUnder general supervision of the Nursing Director, responsible for developing and implementing therapeutic group activities based on identified patient needs and providing direct care for Inpatient Behavioral Health patients. Activities Specialists are an active and integral part of the interdisciplinary team.PERFORMANCE STANDARDS1. Provides therapeutic communication with patients in one to one and small group interactions.2. Accurately selects, creates or adapts therapeutic activity consistent with the needs of the patient as evidenced by age appropriate and developmentally appropriate activity choices.3. Creates and adheres to a weekly calendar of events which is posted for patients and staff.4. Maintains tracking and reporting of patient participation in activities/groups.5. Uses evidence-based practice to manage aggressive behavior.6. Maintains the therapeutic milieu to reduce episodes of restraint or seclusion while at the same time providing for both staff and patient safety.7. Accurately provides therapeutic experiences that promote patient growth and skill development as evidenced through patient progress in activities involved.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSHS Diploma or GEDCompleted at least two years of college in Therapeutic Recreation, Human Services or related fieldOR Completed one year of college in Human Services or related fieldOR two (2) years recent experience as a behavioral health technician and ability to complete BMC Mental Health class within six months of hire.At least one year or recent experience as a recreational therapist aid, activity specialist, or similar.Ability to complete required computer training, including network access and CMS, within six months of hire.Work ShiftOther (United States of America)Broadlawns Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer