Activity Therapist - Level II

About NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals is dedicated to delivering high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee embodies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Work Shifts

• 7:00 A.M – 3:30 P.M
• 8:00 A.M – 4:00 P.M
• 8:30 A.M – 4:30 P.M
• 9:00 A.M – 5:00 P.M
• 10:00 A.M – 6:00 P.M

Duties & Responsibilities

• Purpose of Position:
• This class of positions encompasses professional and/or supervisory work of varying degrees of difficulty and responsibility in the operation of an activity therapy department providing medical/psychiatric recreational therapeutic services, in conjunction with other members of the treatment team. All personnel perform related work.
• Under supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment, performs responsible therapeutic work of more than ordinary difficulty.
• Examples of Typical Tasks:
• Performs the typical tasks described in Assignment Level I:
• 1. Participates in planning and implementing a medical/psychiatric approved recreational program of individual and ward activities adapted to the needs, interest and capacities of patients.
• 2. Participates in meeting with treatment staff to coordinate effective patient care and participates as a member of a team, in patient groups.
• 3. Plans individualized schedules including activities of daily living, arts and therapy and socialization to meet specific needs of patients.
• 4. Teaches and leads recreational activities such as group and team games, arts and crafts, dances, gymnastics, art in therapy, poetry, simple forms of music and dramatics.
• 5. Directs learning experiences as part of care/treatment of patients to influence behavioral changes leading to increased experience and comprehension of self and environment.
• 6. Works with and may guide students from multi disciplines, volunteers and others assigned to the area of service.
• 7. Attends and contributes to department meetings, attends and conducts in-service training programs.
• 8. Works with private and public organizations to further recreational programs.
• 9. May co-lead or lead small group therapy and other discussion groups.
• 10. May co-lead community meetings with other members of various disciplines.
• 11. Communicates observations of patients in activity therapy to team.
• 12. Charts Activity Therapy Progress Notes.
• 13. Prepares periodic reports and keeps appropriate records.
• 14. Is responsible for maintaining and ordering of supplies and equipment for assigned unit.
• In addition to performing the typical tasks described in Assignment Level I, as described above, is also responsible for one or more of the following tasks:
• 1. Assesses recreational therapeutic and activity program needs and plans for implementation through research and evaluation.
• 2. Evaluates daily functioning of activity therapy programs in assigned area.
• 3. Assesses specific activity needs of patients and records progress of patients as defined by the standards of the department.
• 4. Coordinates such activities as adapted sports, dramatic, social activities, arts and crafts, music, regulating content of program in accordance with patients capabilities, needs and interest for assigned unit.
• 5. Applies new techniques and skills both interpersonal and technical in a continuing effort to provide practical programs. Explores new developments within the field of Activity Therapy implementing those which are applicable to their setting.
• 6. Works with other disciplines to coordinate effective patient care.
• 7. May review clinical case records for accuracy and completeness.
• 8. Maintains functional operational level of equipment, supplies and work areas.
• 9. May develop and conduct in-service training within their area of expertise.
• 10. Prepares and submits reports and statistics.
• 11. Prepares appropriate records.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by eighteen (18) credits in recreation, physical education, dance, fine arts, and/or applied arts (including therapy), and twelve (12) semester credits in psychology, social psychology, group work, group dynamics, and/or related discipline, and one (1) year of full-time experience in planning, coordinating and supervising a recreation activities program in a health care setting;
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, and two (2) years of full-time experience described in 1 above;
• A satisfactory combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to 1 or 2 above. However, all candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• College Savings Program
• Union Benefits for eligible titles
• Multiple employee discounts programs
• Commuter Benefits Programs

How To Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply for Job" button.