Activity Therapist

American Dance Therapy Association; West Bloomfield Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Six outdoor therapeutic healing areas

Contemporary treatment spaces

Evidence‑based psychiatric care

Collaborative interdisciplinary teams

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital is seeking a Certified Activity Therapist to plan, coordinate, and facilitate therapeutic recreation programs within the interdisciplinary treatment team, supporting recovery and social functioning.

The role requires CTRS or related certification, licensure in a clinical discipline, CPR and de-escalation training, and a Bachelor's in Therapeutic Recreation with several years of healthcare recreation experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy or related field required.
• Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting required.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete activity assessments from patient observations and interviews to inform treatment plans.
• Plan, organize, direct and implement activities within the treatment program to progress patient outcomes.
• Lead activities including therapeutic leisure, education and awareness to support recovery.
• Facilitate sessions to improve mental and physical well-being.
• Instruct patients in activities like sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques.

Skills

CTRS

Specialty area certifications

Clinical licensure (LPC/LMSW/LCPC)

CPR Certification

De-escalation/ restraint certification

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

3+ years healthcare recreation experience

Job description

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Certified Activity Therapist to join our multidisciplinary treatment team. In this role, you will help patients develop healthy coping skills, improve social functioning, and support their recovery through innovative and therapeutic activity-based interventions.

Required Qualifications

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or
• Certification in a recognized specialty area such as:
  • Art Therapy
  • Dance/Movement Therapy
  • Music Therapy
  • Other expressive or activity-based therapy disciplines
• Clinical professional licensure (LPC, LMSW, LCPC, or equivalent) with certification in a related expressive or activity-based therapy discipline.
• CPR Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• De‑escalation and restraint certification required (training provided by the facility).

Position Summary

As a Certified Activity Therapist, you will plan, coordinate, and facilitate therapeutic recreation and expressive therapy programs that align with patients' individualized treatment plans. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, you will provide structured therapeutic activities designed to promote emotional wellness, social interaction, skill development, and recovery.

Our state‑of‑the‑art, two‑story behavioral health hospital in West Bloomfield provides a modern, healing environment designed to support patient recovery and staff success. Features include:

Features

• Contemporary treatment spaces
• Six outdoor therapeutic healing areas
• Evidence‑based psychiatric care
• Collaborative interdisciplinary teams
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A mission‑driven culture focused on compassionate patient care

We provide specialized mental health treatment for adolescents, adults, and senior adults, helping individuals achieve stability, recovery, and improved quality of life.

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 as 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 help 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.
• 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)
• Certification in a recognized specialty area (Art Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, etc.)
• Clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, LMSW, etc.) with certification in a related expressive or activity‑based therapy discipline
• 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.