FT/ PRN Activity Therapist

Harboroaks; Riverdale (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Harboroaks is seeking a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to plan, direct, and implement activity therapy as part of the patient’s treatment plan. The role focuses on assessing needs, designing meaningful programs, and guiding activities to improve overall well‑being.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation with 3+ years in healthcare recreation, CPR/De‑escalation training, and a CTRS or equivalent certification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field is required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is required.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.
• CTRS or related certification/license required or in process; CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required.
• First aid may be required per state/facility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Complete activity assessments through observation and interviews to tailor treatment plans.
• Plan, organize, direct and implement activities within the treatment program to meet goals.
• Lead sessions to improve mental and physical well‑being with therapeutic activities.
• Instruct patients in activities such as sports, arts, relaxation techniques.
• Develop and implement activity interventions aligned with patient needs and goals.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities including exercise, games and community outings.
• Help patients learn social skills to remain independent.
• Modify activities for different groups and situations.
• Demonstrate empathy and professionalism; address patient concerns and safety priority.

Education

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

Master’s degree

Job description

Overview

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

Plan, direct and implement activity therapy programs as a component of the patient’s treatment plan.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

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.

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