Activity Therapist

Acadia Healthcare; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with bonus

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company match

Stock-based awards

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Career mobility

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare’s Sonora Behavioral Health is seeking an Activity Therapist to assess patients, develop individualized treatment plans, and lead a variety of therapeutic activities aimed at improving mental, physical, emotional, and social well‑being. The role emphasizes compassionate, patient‑centered care within a safe environment.

You will guide treatment plans, engage patients in meaningful activities, and collaborate with clinicians to support recovery goals.

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 with knowledge of patient population served by the facility required.
• CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required.

Responsibilities

• Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview to inform treatment plans.
• Plan, organize, direct and implement activities to support patient progress toward goals.
• Lead activities including therapeutic leisure skills, education and awareness to promote well‑being.
• Facilitate sessions to improve mental and physical well‑being; instruct patients in sports, arts, relaxation techniques.
• Develop treatment plans and activity interventions aligned with patient needs and goals.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities and help build social skills and independence.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy or related field

Master’s degree

Job description

Overview

Activity Therapist - Sonora Behavioral Health

*$2,500 Sign-on!

Shift: Monday to Friday

Sonora Behavioral Health’s mission is to provide superior behavioral healthcare to the people and communities we serve. Children (5-11), adolescents (12-17), and adults in crisis situations can benefit from our broad scope of programs. Our services include inpatient hospitalization for crisis stabilization, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. We have been recognized by Optum as a Platinum in-patient provider of behavioral health services for our achievements in clinical excellence.

Join our team as an Activity Therapist and make a meaningful impact on patients' lives through therapeutic recreation and engagement. In this role, you will assess patient needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and lead a variety of therapeutic activities designed to support mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Through creativity, compassion, and clinical expertise, you will help patients build skills, achieve treatment goals, increase independence, and enhance their overall quality of life in a safe and supportive environment. If you are passionate about empowering others and creating positive, engaging experiences, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join

• Competitive compensation with industry leading annual performance-based bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match to support your financial future
• Stock-based awards, giving you a stake in Acadia’s success
• Generous paid time off for vacation, sick days, and holidays
• Professional development & leadership training to sharpen your skills
• Career mobility within Acadia’s nationwide network of 250+ facilities

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.