Dance Therapist Full Time

Acadia Healthcare; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare seeks a full-time Dance Therapist to plan, direct and implement activity therapy as part of the patient’s treatment plan at Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital. The role includes assessments, planning and leading dance-based and therapeutic activities to support recovery and well-being.

Required are a Bachelor's in Therapeutic Recreation (Masters preferred) and 3+ years in healthcare recreation, with CPR/de-escalation training.

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.
• Plan, organize, direct and implement activities within the treatment program to support patient progress.
• Lead therapies including dance, music, art or relaxation techniques as part of treatment.
• Develop treatment plans and activity interventions to meet patient needs and goals.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities and community outings.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude toward patients.

Skills

Dance therapy

Recreational therapy

Patient care

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation

Master’s degree

Job description

Dance Therapist - Full Time

At Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital, our mission is to create a welcoming and safe therapeutic environment where our patients feel encouraged and supported as they receive treatment for behavioral health concerns. We support each person with empathy and compassion throughout their treatment journey. We empower our patients to play an active role in their treatment process and to engage in clinical decisions that lead to positive transformations so that they can thrive once their time in treatment comes to an end.

We are seeking a full time Dance Therapist to join our team to plan, direct and implement art activity therapy programs as a component of the patient’s treatment plan. Fulltime days with rotating weekends. Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services across the United States. Acadia operates a growing network of 253 plus behavioral healthcare facilities with approximately 11,200 beds in 38 states and Puerto Rico. With more than 23,500 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.
• 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.

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