Activity Therapist Assistant

Acadia Healthcare; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare is seeking a dedicated recreation professional to assist with planning, developing, organizing, implementing and directing individual and group activities within the facility.

Responsibilities include organizing and leading recreational activities for patients and families, instructing participants, documenting progress, and ensuring safety. The role emphasizes empathy, professionalism, and effective communication with staff and patients in a healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Associate’s degree in activity therapy or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility also preferred.

Responsibilities

• Organize, lead and promote interest in recreational activities to patients and their families.
• Explain the rules of activities and instruct participants at a variety of skill levels.
• Document activity interventions and patient progress in the medical record per facility documentation requirements.
• Seek supervision and support when complications arise in dealing with a patient either in an individual or group setting.
• Enforce safety rules to prevent injury and modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
• Organize and set up the equipment that is used in recreational activities.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patient communication

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in activity therapy or related field

Job description

Purpose Statement

Assist with planning, developing, organizing, implementing and directing individual and group activities/recreation within the facility.

Purpose Statement

Assist with planning, developing, organizing, implementing and directing individual and group activities/recreation within the facility.

Essential Functions

• Organize, lead and promote interest in recreational activities to patients and their families.
• Serve as a resource for new patients introducing them to other patients and staff, explaining programs and encouraging participation.
• Explain the rules of activities and instruct participants at a variety of skill levels.
• Document activity interventions and patient progress in the medical record per facility documentation requirements.
• Seek supervision and support when complications arise in dealing with a patient either in an individual or group setting.
• Enforce safety rules to prevent injury and modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
• Organize and set up the equipment that is used in recreational activities.
• 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

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree in activity therapy or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility also preferred.

Licenses/Designations/Certifications

• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility.

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.