Activity Therapist

Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital; Malden (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital in Malden, MA, is a state-of-the-art 144-bed facility opening early 2026 to address growing behavioral health needs. This joint venture with Acadia Healthcare combines leading care with light in a modern campus.

We seek an Activity Therapist to plan, direct and implement activity programs, assess patients, lead sessions and help patients build social and leisure skills as part of treatment.

Qualifications

• 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 required.
• CTRS or related certification or licensure required; CPR and de-escalation training.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and implement activity therapy programs as part of the patient’s treatment plan.
• Lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well‑being.
• Instruct patients in activities such as sports, dance, art or relaxation techniques.
• Develop treatment plans and implement interventions aligned with patient goals.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities and community outings.

Skills

Therapeutic Recreation

Patient assessment

Session facilitation

Group leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CTRS Certification

CPR Certification

Job description

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services across the United States. Acadia operates a growing network of 250 plus behavioral healthcare facilities with approximately 11,100 beds in 39 states and Puerto Rico. With more than 23,000 employees serving approximately 75,000 patients daily, Acadia is the largest stand-alone behavioral health company in the U.S.

Acadia Healthcare’s purpose is to Lead Care With Light and our mission is to be a world-class organization that sets the standard for excellence in the treatment of mental health and addiction concerns. We strive to maintain our standing as a thought leader in the behavioral healthcare industry, providing treatment that is synonymous with compassion and innovation.

Tufts Medicine, a leading integrated academic health system in Massachusetts, and Acadia Healthcare, the largest standalone provider of behavioral health services in the U.S., have partnered to create the Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital, a state-of-the-art, 144-bed facility in Malden, Massachusetts. Slated to open in early 2026, this hospital is designed to address the growing need for high-quality behavioral health services in the region.

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

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.

Pay Range: $30.44 to $36.00/hr.

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.