Activity Therapist / Recreational Therapist

North Port Behavioral Health; North Port (FL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 41,328; Part time

Job summary

North Port Behavioral Health in North Port, FL is seeking a PRN Activity Therapist / Recreational Therapist for our newly opened facility. Plan, direct and implement therapeutic programs as part of the patient’s treatment plan, including leisure education, group sessions and life skills practice to support recovery.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation (Master’s preferred), CTRS or eligible, CPR and de-escalation training, and at least three years’ healthcare recreation

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 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 to develop treatment plans.
• Interdisciplinary Treatment Team Member; participate in meetings and updates to patient treatment plans.
• Plan and implement leisure education to increase patient awareness of leisure, social, and recreational pursuits as coping skills.
• Plan and implement activities program including therapeutic leisure skills and education.
• Facilitate group sessions to improve patient well-being.
• Instruct patients in relaxation, anger and stress management techniques.
• Help patients learn and practice coping and life skills for independence.
• Modify interventions to suit groups.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude toward patients and address complaints.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Patient engagement

Leisure activity planning

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CPR Certification

De-escalation training

Job description

North Port Behavioral Health in North Port, FL is seeking a PRN Activity Therapist / Recreational Therapist for our newly opened facility.

Purpose Statement

Plan, direct and implement therapeutic programs as a component of the patient’s treatment plan. Please enclose a cover letter so that we may get to know you better!

As part of Acadia Healthcare we are a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services across the United States. Acadia operates a growing network of 250 plus behavioral healthcare facilities with approximately 11,100 beds in 39 states and Puerto Rico. With more than 23,000 employees serving approximately 75,000 patients daily, Acadia is the largest stand‑alone behavioral health company in the U.S.

Acadia Healthcare’s purpose is to Lead Care With Light and our mission is to be a world‑class organization that sets the standard for excellence in the treatment of mental health and addiction concerns. We strive to maintain our standing as a thought leader in the behavioral healthcare industry, providing treatment that is synonymous with compassion and innovation.

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.
• Interdisciplinary Treatment Team Member; participate in meetings and the development of patient treatment plans and updates.
• Plan and implement leisure education to increase patient awareness of leisure, socia, and recreational pursuits that serve as functional and healthy coping skills.
• Plan and implement an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness.
• Facilitate group sessions to improve patient overall well‑being.
• Instruct patients in techniques, such as, but not limited to relaxation, anger and stress management skills to meet their specific needs and treatment goals.
• Help patients learn and practice coping and life skills needed to become or remain independent.
• Modify interventions 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 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.