Art/Recreation/Dance/Drama Therapist- PRN

Universal Health Services; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous PTO

Medical, dental, vision plans

401(k) with company match

SoFi student loan refinancing program

Career development opportunities

Job summary

River Oaks Hospital in New Orleans, affiliated with Universal Health Services, seeks an ACTIVITY THERAPIST (PRN) to plan and administer an integrated activities program for patients across units. Leads therapy groups, psychoeducational sessions, and participates in discharge planning under the Director of Activity Therapy.

The role requires 2+ years in activity therapy within psychiatric settings, and relevant certification/registration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Human Services.
• Minimum 2 years of Activity Therapy experience with psychiatric populations.
• Certification or registration in area of expertise from a certification board.
• Knowledge of hospital activity therapy functions and crisis management.

Responsibilities

• Assesses patients' leisure, social, and recreational abilities and needs.
• Conducts group psychotherapy and psychoeducational sessions addressing trauma and compulsive behaviors.
• Plans and assesses progress and discharge needs through staffing updates.
• Contributes to interdisciplinary treatment plans.

Skills

Group psychotherapy

Psychoeducation sessions

Trauma and compulsive behaviors

Behavioral modification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Human Services

Job description

Responsibilities

River Oaks Hospital, affiliated with Universal Health Services, is located in metropolitan New Orleans, Louisiana, is a private psychiatric facility for adults, adolescents and children. Since 1970, River Oaks has established a tradition of excellence in the treatment of acute psychiatric illness, dual diagnosis, alcohol and drug detoxification, trauma based disorders, compulsive behaviors, and eating disorders, River Oaks has provided quality treatment to service individuals suffering from mental illness, and/or addictive disorders. Situated on a 14-acre campus, services are available at all levels of care (inpatient, day or partial hospitalization, outpatient, and intensive outpatient).

For more information about our hospital, please visit: https://riveroakshospital.com/

River Oaks Hospital is seeking a dynamic and talented ACTIVITY THERAPIST (PRN) plans, organizes, and administers an integrated Activities Therapy function for the patients of River Oaks Hospital under the direction of the Director of Activity Therapy; Provides activities and service for all patient population within the assigned groups and area of specific expertise. Provides support to the Director of Activity Therapy to facilitate all aspects of Activity Therapy, or other duties as assigned

Job Duties may include but are not limited to

• Assesses patient’s leisure, social, and recreational abilities, deficiencies, interests, barriers, life experiences, needs, and potential
• Conducts group psychotherapy and psychoeducational sessions as needed; demonstrate a high level of clinical skill to address the needs of the patients. Demonstrates a high level of knowledge in the application of various therapeutic concepts, methods and interventions related to trauma and compulsive behaviors, addiction, and behavioral modification.
• Plans and assesses patient's progress treatment and discharge needs through attendance at staffing updates
• Contributes to interdisciplinary treatment plan

Benefits Highlights

• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
• More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Human Services field required, with specialized skills development (i.e. recreation, art, music, dance, etc)
• Minimun of 2 years of Activity Therapy experience with a psychiatric mental health population required, preferably in an inpatient setting.
• Certification or registration in area of expertise from applicable certification board. (Ex: Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), Certified Board of Music Therapists (CBMT), American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA), National Council for Theraeutic Recreation Certifications (NCTRC).
• Knowledge of hospital activity therapy functions, leadership skills, crisis intervention and risk assessment, psychiatric diagnoses symptomology, basic chemical dependency, age specific growth and development and crisis and behavior management. Knowledge and skill in provision of services to varied populations including adulta and dually diagnosed patients in an inpatient hospital setting.

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com.

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