Activities Therapist (Part-Time)

About the role

The Activities Therapist practices, organizes and supervises art, recreational and social activities to hospitalized psychiatric patients within the scope of occupational therapy activities and art therapy. Assists and collaborates with other team members (physicians, nursing staff, and social workers) of the patient-treatment team to formulate diagnosis, treatment plan, and discharge goals.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the delivery of patient care within the scope of occupational therapy and/or activity therapy practice, which includes planning treatment programs, implementation of treatment plans, and assessment of progress of treatment. Participates in patient teaching, discharge planning, and documents legibly interventions and patient response.
• Initiates assessment of patient upon admission in a systematic manner to identify physical, psychological, emotional and social needs; documents findings on assessment form.
• Initiates occupational/activity section of the multidisciplinary team treatment plan within 72 hours of admission. Updates as indicated using information from team meetings.
• Assumes responsibility for planning and implementing activity and social groups. Participates in therapeutic interventions in group and family sessions.
• Assumes responsibility for planning and implementing individual occupational therapy/activity therapy sessions for assigned patients as indicated by physician to treatment team.
• Determines risk of suicide or violent behavior potentials by observation or dialogue with patient while initiating appropriate interventions according to established standards of practice, including notifying MD, RN, and other team members.
• Makes requests for materials for patient activity groups, patient parties, and patient family and social night. Keeps inventory of supplies on unit, equipment for patient use and materials for activity groups.
• Makes requests for replacement of occupational/activity supplies when needed. Keeps an accurate record of money spent for patient activities, parties, and social events.
• Monitors use of occupational therapy/activity equipment for the use of purposeful, task-oriented activities.
• Plans for occupational therapy/activity therapy. Leaves materials available for other staff members to use as needed.
• During occupational therapy/activity therapy sessions implements task-oriented, purposeful activities which aid in developing social interaction and occupational capabilities.
• Keeps treatment team members informed of all pertinent information of patient's participation in occupational therapy/activity therapy groups during shift.
• Makes observations and sets rules and regulations for use of activity area, setting time schedules for availability and setting standards for supervision.
• Serves as a professional role model and demonstrates a willingness to share knowledge and skills with staff.
• Participates in the clinical activities of the team. Assists in problem-solving with clinical and administrative personnel. Communicates with department head, staff, physician, and team members.
• Keeps the patient care coordinator informed of all atypical events regarding patient status; i.e., incident reports, patient complaints, violent outbursts and/or threatening behavior.
• Regularly maintains active and supportive communications with other disciplines (Social Services, Nursing, etc.), concerning patient care, therapeutic modification and discharge planning.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of restraint and seclusion techniques; assists staff in implementation of techniques following policy and procedures.
• Intervenes with proper techniques, procedures, and safety precautions to maintain the safety of patients, staff, self and others.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends and new developments in occupational therapy/activity therapy.
• Keeps abreast of changes in occupational therapy/activity therapy trends and practices by attendance and/or participation in in-services and through continuing education programs, lectures, instruction, etc.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy, Activity Therapy or a related field from an accredited University.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.