Activity Therapist

About the Role

The Activity Therapist plans, coordinates, and implements therapeutic group and individual activities that support the emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of patients. This role focuses on activity-based interventions to promote recovery, enhance quality of life, and support treatment goals in behavioral health and rehabilitation settings.

Responsibilities

• Plans and leads structured therapeutic activities and recreation-based interventions appropriate to the patient population and clinical goals.
• Facilitates group sessions that foster social interaction, emotional expression, stress reduction, and engagement in meaningful tasks.
• Assesses patient interests, functional abilities, and treatment needs to design individualized activity plans.
• Collaborates with clinical staff to incorporate activity therapy into interdisciplinary treatment planning.
• Maintains a safe, organized, and therapeutic environment in accordance with hospital policies and behavioral health protocols.
• Monitors and documents patient participation and progress, providing feedback to treatment teams.
• Adapts activities based on patient response, behavioral needs, and safety considerations.
• Provides orientation and mentorship to new staff or students as needed.
• Maintains therapy materials, equipment, and supplies in a clean and orderly manner.
• Participates in team meetings, staff development, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, or a related healthcare field required.
• 0-2 years of experience in activity therapy, recreational therapy, behavioral health programming, or a related setting required.
• 2-4 years of experience in activity therapy or a related clinical program preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of activity therapy principles, behavioral health conditions, and therapeutic group facilitation.
• Ability to design and implement creative, safe, and engaging therapeutic activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with patients and care teams.
• Ability to respond effectively to changing patient needs and de-escalate challenging behaviors.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage schedules, supplies, and documentation.
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach with sensitivity to diverse populations.

Licenses and Certifications

• CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist preferred.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification preferred.
• BCLS - Basic Life Support preferred.