Activity Therapist

Acadia Healthcare; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia is seeking an Activity Therapist to enhance patients' mental, emotional, physical and social well-being through therapeutic activities and recreation programs.

You'll assess patient interests, develop individualized treatment plans, and lead group and individual sessions, using art, music, recreation, exercise, and community-based experiences to promote recovery and independence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting.
• CTRS or related certification/candidate status; CPR/de-escalation training or licensure required.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient needs and interests to inform treatment plans.
• Plan and implement activities within the treatment program to facilitate patient progress.
• Plan and implement activities including therapeutic leisure skills, education and awareness.
• Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient well-being.
• Instruct patients in activities such as sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques.
• Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions to meet patient needs and goals.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities and community outings.
• Help patients learn social skills to become independent.
• Modify activities to suit different groups.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic attitude and address patient concerns.

Skills

Compassionate personality

Strong communication skills

Creativity

Patient-centered approach

Education

Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CTRS certification

CPR certification

Specialty therapy certifications

Job description

Overview

Join our team at CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia as an Activity Therapist, where you'll help patients improve their mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being through therapeutic activities and recreation programs. In this role, you'll assess patient interests and needs, develop individualized treatment plans, lead group and individual activity sessions, and support patients in building skills that promote independence and recovery. Activities may include art, music, recreation, exercise, leisure education, relaxation techniques, and community-based experiences.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related field required (Master's preferred)
• Experience working in a healthcare or behavioral health setting
• CTRS certification (or working toward certification), specialty therapy certification, or applicable clinical licensure required
• CPR certification required (training available upon hire)

Ideal Candidate: We're looking for a compassionate, energetic professional who enjoys engaging with patients, facilitating therapeutic groups, and creating meaningful experiences that support treatment goals and positive outcomes. Strong communication skills, creativity, and a patient-centered approach are essential.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview, obtaining information on the patient’s needs, skills, interests and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
• Plan, organize, direct and implement the activities within the treatment program to facility patient progress with treatment goals.
• Plan and implement an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness.
• Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well-being.
• Instruct patients in activities and techniques, such are sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs.
• Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and helps the patient achieve his/her treatment goals.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities, such as exercise, games and community outings.
• Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent.
• Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
• 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.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy or related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

• Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility required.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required.
• 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 requirements.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed toprovidingequalemploymentopportunitiestoall applicantsforemploymentregardlessofanindividual’scharacteristicsprotected byapplicable state,federalandlocallaws.