Engagement Specialist Inpatient Full Time

Cost Center 158 · Case Management · 40 hours/week · Second Shift

About the role

The Engagement Specialist is responsible for promoting patient engagement and participation in meaningful, productive activities within the inpatient behavioral health setting. This non-clinical role works directly with adult patients on assigned units to encourage socialization, recreation, skill-building, and therapeutic leisure activities that enhance the patient experience and support a positive treatment environment. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Engagement Specialist serves as a patient-focused resource, helping individuals remain actively involved in unit programming while fostering a safe, respectful, and recovery-oriented environment. This position is ideal for individuals interested in expanding their behavioral health experience and advancing beyond an entry-level patient care role. The Engagement Specialist must demonstrate excellent customer service and have enthusiasm about the program and the Pine Rest organization.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the planning and facilitation of unit-based activities that promote socialization, engagement, and skill development
• Supports implementation of both structured and informal activities (e.g., games, music, outdoor time, creative activities)
• Adapts activities to meet the needs, abilities, and interests of patients across varying levels of acuity
• Facilitates recreational, educational, leisure, and patient engagement activities on assigned inpatient units
• Encourages patient participation in unit programming and activities while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment
• Builds positive therapeutic rapport with patients through active listening, encouragement, and professional interaction
• Assists patients in identifying interests and participating in activities that support engagement during hospitalization
• Works collaboratively with Behavioral Health Professionals (BHPs), nursing staff, therapists, and other members of the interdisciplinary team
• Communicates observations related to patient engagement, behavior, and participation to appropriate staff
• Monitors activity participation and communicates observations regarding patient involvement to appropriate team members
• Maintains activity supplies, equipment, and designated engagement spaces in a safe and organized manner
• Assists with organizing and implementing special events, unit activities, and recovery-focused programming
• Supports a safe, respectful, and recovery-oriented milieu by modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions
• Follows all organizational policies regarding patient rights, confidentiality, infection prevention, safety, and workplace conduct
• Participates in required meetings, trainings, and continuing education opportunities
• Responsible to uphold the healing ministry of Christ through relationships that honor integrity, stewardship, empowerment, the promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional excellence
• Maintains annual training and demonstrates competency in the required programmatic training
• Performs other duties or functions as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college preferred
• Experience in behavioral health, human services, recreation, or a related field preferred
• Experience facilitating activities, recreation, or patient engagement programs
• Must become certified in CPR by the end of New Hire Orientation (Basic Life Support in Inpatient programs; CPR/AED/First Aid in Residential programs)

Schedule

This position is onsite and may require both weekend and holiday hours.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision & life insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement match contribution by Pine Rest
• Generous PTO for full and part time employees
• Tuition assistance & loan forgiveness
• Employee Assistance Program offering many free and discounted services for therapy, legal, accounting, gym membership, etc.
• Partnership with Davenport University provides generous discount on tuition for employees and family members