Activity Therapist - PRN

Acadia Healthcare; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

West Pines Behavioral Hospital in Westminster, CO is seeking a PRN Recreation Therapist to assess, plan, and lead therapeutic recreation activities for inpatients. This role requires a Bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation (Master’s preferred) and 3+ years in healthcare recreation.

Certification and CPR are emphasized, with a weekend rotation every other week. The hospital emphasizes patient-centered care and safety while offering engagement in athletic and expressive therapy activities to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients and develop treatment plans based on needs and goals.
• Organize and direct activities within the treatment program to support progress.
• Lead activities in sports, dance, art, music, and relaxation techniques.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities and social skill development.
• Demonstrate professionalism and address patient concerns to ensure safety.

Skills

Therapeutic recreation

Patient care

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Therapeutic Recreation

Master's degree preferred

Job description

West Pines Behavioral Hospital is a new 144-bed inpatient behavioral health facility serving Denver area residents located at 11455 Huron Street, Westminster, CO. A joint venture between Intermountain Health and Acadia Healthcare. Just opened in December 2024, the hospital provides comprehensive inpatient and intensive outpatient services to address the growing need for accessible, high-quality behavioral health care in the Denver metro area.

• PRN Position - One weekend day every other week is required*

Pay range: $29.50- $35.96 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.

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 to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.