Activity Therapist

Oceans Healthcare; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Daily Pay

Paid Time Off

Competitive Market Compensation

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Haven Behavioral Hospital Of West Chester is seeking an Activity Therapist to provide therapeutic group and individual interventions using art, music, or occupational therapy modalities in a 72-bed inpatient setting. You will assess needs, plan activities, and document progress within regulatory standards.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in a related field with MT-BC/ATR certifications; Master’s preferred. Inpatient experience and BLS certification are important, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Occupational Therapy or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Must hold and maintain current certification/licensure appropriate to discipline (MT-BC / ATR / ATR-BC / LPAT / COTA).

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to determine patients’ emotional, cognitive, and social needs and develop individualized therapeutic activity plans.
• Lead and facilitate therapeutic groups and individual sessions using art-, music-, or occupational-therapy–based modalities.
• Create a supportive, safe, and engaging environment that promotes patient participation.
• Evaluate patient participation and progress, documenting services per policy.
• Encourage participation in activities supporting emotional expression and skill development.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team to implement treatment plans and communicate changes in patient status.

Skills

Group facilitation

Documentation

Interdisciplinary communication

Time management

Adaptability

BLS certification

Education

Bachelor’s in Music Therapy/Art Therapy/OT or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MT-BC

ATR/ATR-BC/LPAT

COTA license

Job description

About Haven Behavioral Hospital Of West Chester

Haven Behavioral Hospital of West Chester is a 72-bed facility providing high-quality, specialty behavioral health services for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. Our success is a reflection of the excellence and dedication of our employees at every level of our facility. The culture of our hospital is built around service. All jobs performed on our team are worthwhile and every employee makes a difference. If you are looking for an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while delivering compassionate, quality care we encourage you to explore career opportunities with Haven of West Chester

Benefits We Offer

• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage (Multiple Plan Options) - Eligible first of the month after 30 days.
• 401 (k) Retirement Savings Plan with Discretionary Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Daily Pay
• Paid Time Off
• Competitive Market Compensation
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

The Activity Therapist provides therapeutic group and individual interventions using discipline-specific modalities (art, music, or occupational therapy) in accordance with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and hospital policies. All duties are performed according to Joint Commission, Federal and State Regulations, the Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures and Performance Improvement standards.

Essential Functions

• Conduct assessments to determine patients’ emotional, cognitive, and social needs and develop individualized therapeutic activity plans.
• Lead and facilitate therapeutic groups and individual sessions using art-, music-, or occupational-therapy–based modalities
• Create a supportive, safe, and engaging environment that promotes patient participation.
• Evaluate patient participation and progress, adjusting therapeutic approaches as needed, and document all services per policy.
• Encourage patients to participate in activities that support emotional expression, social interaction, education, and skill development.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team to implement treatment plans and communicate changes in patient status.
• Seek supervision or clinical support when challenges arise in individual or group sessions.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation, including assessments, sessions, and updates to treatment plans.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s or Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Occupational Therapy or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Prefer three (3) years’ clinical practice experience in inpatient acute care.
• Must hold and maintain current certification / licensure appropriate to discipline:
• Music Therapist- Board Certified (MT-BC)
• Registered or Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR, ATR-BC, ATR-P (LPAT)
• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), with valid state license if applicable

Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care that meets age-, disability-, and culturally related needs of the assigned patient population.
• Understands principles of growth and development across the lifespan and applies this knowledge in assessment and treatment.
• Assesses and interprets patient data to identify individual needs and deliver appropriate therapeutic interventions for adolescent, adult, geriatric, chemically dependent, and dually diagnosed populations.
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of mental illness, chemical dependency, and associated family dynamics.
• Demonstrates understanding of evidence-based clinical therapy modalities relevant to activity therapy.
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members; exhibits strong group facilitation and process skills appropriate to patient needs.
• Demonstrates adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to perform effectively in stressful or rapidly changing situations.
• Exhibits strong organizational and time-management skills; able to coordinate multiple priorities efficiently.
• Functions effectively both independently and under supervision as required.
• Must successfully complete Basic Life Saving (BLS) certification and an Oceans approved behavioral de-escalation program.

Work Environment

Subject to many interruptions. Pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. This position can be highly paced and stressful; must be able to cope mentally and physically with the atmosphere. This person might sometimes experience disagreeable odors, sights and/or unpredictable patient behavior. Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.