Healing Arts Therapist

Acadia Healthcare; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare in Wilmington, NC seeks an Activity Therapist to plan, direct and implement activity therapy as part of treatment. You will assess patient needs, design engaging programs and lead sessions to boost mental and physical well‑being, adapting activities for different groups.

The role requires a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree in counseling or recreational therapy, with preferred healthcare recreation experience and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Education requirements include a High School Diploma or equivalent and a Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Recreational Therapy or related field.
• Experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.
• Certifications in expressive therapy area (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) or Yoga/Reiki with relevant certification are required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and implement activity therapy programs as part of the patient’s treatment plan.
• Complete activity assessments through observation and interviews to inform treatment planning.
• Organize and direct activities within the program to support treatment goals and patient progress.
• Lead sessions to improve patient mental and physical well‑being and adapt activities for groups.
• Instruct patients in activities such as sports, art, music, dance or relaxation techniques.
• Perform other functions as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's Degree in Counseling, Recreational Therapy or related field

Job description

Purpose Statement

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

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.
• Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.

Other Functions

• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skill Requirements

• Yoga and Reiki: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Art/Music/Dance Therapy: Bachelor's Degree in Counseling, Recreational Therapy or related field required.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Licenses/Designations/Certifications

• Certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR Yoga, OR Reiki with certification in expressive therapy area required.
• CPR and de‑escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).

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.