Activity Therapist - PRN

Acadia Healthcare; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare in Chicago, IL is seeking a qualified Activity Therapist to plan and direct hospitalization-based activity programs that align with each patient’s treatment plan.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Therapeutic Recreation (Master's preferred) with 3+ years of healthcare recreation experience, CTRS certification or related licensure. You will lead therapeutic leisure activities, assess needs and promote patient safety and wellbeing.

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 the patient population served by the facility required.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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 facilitate 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.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Education

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

Master’s degree preferred

Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of the patient population served by the facility required

Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred

Job description

Purpose Statement

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 facilitate 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.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of the 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.

Additional Notes

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.