Activity Therapist

Acadia Healthcare; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare in Fort Wayne, IN seeks a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to plan, direct and implement activity therapy as part of a patient’s treatment. This 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. shift focuses on assessment, activity planning, and patient engagement to support treatment goals.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation, CTRS (or in process), CPR/de-escalation, and 3+ years in healthcare recreation. Master’s preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field is required.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting required.
• CTRS or current certification in related expressive therapy area or licensure required.
• CPR and de-escalation certification required; first aid may be required.

Responsibilities

• Complete activity assessment through observation and interviews to inform treatment plans.
• Plan, organize, direct and implement activities to support patient progress toward goals.
• Develop and run activities including therapeutic leisure skills and relaxation techniques.
• Lead sessions to improve mental and physical well-being and teach skills.
• Instruct patients in activities such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques.
• Create treatment plans and implement interventions meeting patient needs and interests.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities and community outings.
• Help patients learn social skills to remain independent.
• Modify activities for specific groups; maintain a positive and professional attitude.
• Address patient concerns and ensure patient safety; respond to complaints as needed.

Skills

Therapeutic Recreation

Patient assessment

Program planning

Interpersonal skills

Observation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Purpose Statement

Plan, direct and implement activity therapy programs as a component of the patient’s treatment plan.

This position is 11a-7:30p.

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.

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 to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

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