Activity Therapist / Recreational Therapist

About the role

The Activity Therapist at Wisconsin Behavioral Health will bring expressive and experiential modalities, such as music or art, into the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) treatment milieu. This role involves planning and leading group and individual sessions that complement the broader treatment plan, conducting assessments, documenting progress, and collaborating with the clinical team.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead group and individual activity therapy sessions (music or art-based) tailored to client treatment goals.
• Conduct activity therapy assessments to identify client strengths, needs, and appropriate therapeutic activities.
• Document client participation, progress, and clinical observations in the EMR.
• Collaborate with therapists, the psychiatrist, and clinical director on integrating activity therapy into individualized treatment plans.
• Adapt session content and modality to accommodate varying client capabilities, diagnoses, and comfort levels.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming space for expressive work in accordance with HIPAA confidentiality standards.
• Order and maintain supplies or equipment needed for sessions (art materials, instruments).

Requirements

• Required Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Expressive Therapies, Yoga Therapy, or a closely related behavioral health or therapeutic discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential preferred for Recreation Therapy candidates.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience developing and facilitating structured therapeutic recreation, expressive therapy, wellness, or activity-based interventions in a behavioral health, psychiatric, or substance use disorder treatment setting.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and facilitate therapeutic activities that support individualized treatment goals, recovery, and overall wellness.
• Experience collaborating with an interdisciplinary treatment team and documenting client participation and progress in accordance with organizational policies and applicable regulatory standards.
• Working knowledge of trauma-informed care, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Wisconsin behavioral health regulations, and documentation standards.
• Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• PREFERRED: Experience in an outpatient mental health or substance use treatment program.
• PREFERRED: Additional training or certification in a second expressive modality.
• BILINGUAL CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Benefits

Salary: $52,000 to $68,000 annually, commensurate with experience and credential. This is a direct hire with Wisconsin Behavioral Health.