Activities Coordinator

About the Role

Highland Springs is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. As an Activities Coordinator, you will join a team dedicated to making communities healthier by providing evidence-based activity services to patients hospitalized for treatment of substance abuse, dual diagnosis, or psychiatric or emotional disorders.

The Activity Therapy Coordinator plans, organizes, and directs medically approved activity programs, including holidays and special events, social activities, relaxation techniques, music-based interventions, leisure educational games, and expressive arts. These programs help patients develop interpersonal relationships, increase motivation, socialize effectively, and build confidence for group activities.

Responsibilities

• Applies appropriate theory and standards for decision-making regarding therapeutic practices.
• Assesses patient needs utilizing cultural, religious, and physical disabilities to determine capabilities in groups and specific activities.
• Documents patient responses to interventions pertinent to treatment on daily/weekly progress status.
• Completes all assessments within the allotted time frame and contributes to assessment workload balance between therapists.
• Formulates initial and subsequent treatment programs in accordance with the attending physician's/licensed practitioner's treatment orders.
• Develops a plan of care with specific and measurable goals, objectives, and interventions tailored to each patient's needs.
• Provides therapy treatment procedures according to the treatment plan, communicating and working with the patient to achieve the greatest benefit.
• Maintains constant communication with the treatment team, therapist, and physician/licensed practitioner when a patient is not responding to treatments.
• Understands age differences and corresponding developmental needs, providing activities suitable to patient needs.
• Offers a variety of stimuli in accordance with the treatment plan and maintains a quality program to satisfy therapeutic needs.
• Provides direction and education to maintain clear communication of expectations and quality programming to support patient objectives.
• Reassesses and updates treatment plan goals when there are significant changes in the patient's condition or after a patient's stay exceeds 7 days.
• Contributes to treatment planning with feedback to clinical and program staff to achieve therapeutic interventions.
• Provides direction to clinical and unit staff regarding activity-related groups and input into patient activity therapy goals.
• Coaches and onboards other Activity Therapists (ATs) to ensure performance standards under the guidance of the DCS.
• Coordinates workflows and schedules of other ATs as directed by DCS.
• Coordinates and plans programming and treatment goals, ensuring material availability to meet plans.
• Maintains the AT budget and orders supplies needed for group programming.
• Coordinates holiday and special event plans to encourage patient participation in groups.
• Works with DCS in developing unit schedules, programming, and daily newsletters for patients.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institute in Recreational Therapy (CTRS), Music Therapy (MT-BC), Art Therapy (ATR, ATR-BC, ATR-P, LPAT), or a similar field.
• Previous experience in a psychiatric healthcare facility, with direct experience working with chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric, and geriatric patients preferred.
• Current unencumbered certification/license/registration required per state of practice guidelines.
• CPR certification and Crisis Prevention Training (CPI) within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods (one-third to two-thirds of the shift).
• Ability to reach above or below waist height, kneel, bend, stoop, turn, and twist (occasionally to frequently).
• Visual ability to read charts, treatment plans, computer screens, and typewritten materials.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry 10 lbs; occasionally 20 to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in an environment with frequent use of chemicals for cleaning, occasional medical and electrical hazards, and exposure to dust, mist, and steam.
• Ability to work at a rapid pace and perform a variety of repetitive duties.
• Ability to respond to exposure to blood and body fluids.

Benefits

• Financial & Career Growth: Tuition assistance for higher education and certification, loan assistance, and a 401(k) retirement package with company match.
• Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs, including free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services, and discount programs.
• Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

Highland Springs is a 72-bed behavioral health hospital accredited by The Joint Commission, offering exceptional care to the Highland Hills community for over 9 years.