Activity Therapist

Community Health Systems; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Systems in Birmingham, AL is seeking an Activity Therapist to plan and lead therapeutic activities that support emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of patients in behavioral health and rehab settings. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to tailor programming to patient needs and treatment goals.

The role emphasizes creating safe, engaging activities, documenting progress, and mentoring staff, with emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered care in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field (Recreational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, or similar).
• 0-2 years of experience in activity therapy or related setting is required.
• 2-4 years of experience in activity therapy or related clinical program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans and leads structured therapeutic activities and recreation-based interventions aligned with clinical goals.
• Facilitates group sessions to foster social interaction, emotional expression, and engagement.
• Assesses patient interests and needs to design individualized activity plans.
• Collaborates with clinical staff to integrate activity therapy into treatment planning.
• Maintains a safe, organized therapeutic environment per hospital policies and behavioral health protocols.
• Monitors and documents patient participation and progress for treatment teams.

Skills

Knowledge of activity therapy

Behavioral health understanding

Group facilitation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Recreational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, or related healthcare field

Job description

Job Summary

The Activity Therapist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing therapeutic group and individual activities that support the emotional, cognitive, and social well‑being of patients. This role focuses on activity‑based interventions to promote recovery, enhance quality of life, and support treatment goals. The Activity Therapist collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to tailor programming to patient needs, especially in behavioral health and rehabilitation settings.

Essential Functions

• Plans and leads structured therapeutic activities and recreation‑based interventions appropriate to the patient population and clinical goals.
• Facilitates group sessions that foster social interaction, emotional expression, stress reduction, and engagement in meaningful tasks.
• Assesses patient interests, functional abilities, and treatment needs to design individualized activity plans.
• Collaborates with clinical staff to incorporate activity therapy into interdisciplinary treatment planning.
• Maintains a safe, organized, and therapeutic environment in accordance with hospital policies and behavioral health protocols.
• Monitors and documents patient participation and progress, providing feedback to treatment teams.
• Adapts activities based on patient response, behavioral needs, and safety considerations.
• Provides orientation and mentorship to new staff or students as needed.
• Maintains therapy materials, equipment, and supplies in a clean and orderly manner.
• Participates in team meetings, staff development, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, or a related healthcare field required
• 0-2 years of experience in activity therapy, recreational therapy, behavioral health programming, or a related setting required
• 2-4 years of experience in activity therapy or a related clinical program preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of activity therapy principles, behavioral health conditions, and therapeutic group facilitation.
• Ability to design and implement creative, safe, and engaging therapeutic activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with patients and care teams.
• Ability to respond effectively to changing patient needs and de‑escalate challenging behaviors.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage schedules, supplies, and documentation.
• Compassionate, patient‑centered approach with sensitivity to diverse populations.

Licenses and Certifications

• CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist preferred
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification preferred
• BCLS - Basic Life Support preferred