Experiential Therapist

Summary

Develops, plans, implements, facilitates, directs and evaluates experiential therapy programming in all specialized treatment areas. Knowledge and experience are applied in an educational role with interdisciplinary staff and community resources. Documents within designated program. Is knowledgeable, skillful and has abilities in a wide variety of experiential media. The Experiential Therapist I will have a working knowledge of the psychosocial functioning of patient/resident groups as well as application of expressive activities within a psychiatric setting. These include, but are not limited to, adventure‑based and environmental activities, sports, dance, group initiatives, arts/crafts, music, outdoor activities, art media, psychodrama, horticulture, ropes and challenge course.

Responsibilities

• Conduct self in a professional manner and promote a positive, team‑oriented approach to patient/resident care.
• Maintain a supportive and collaborative environment with all disciplines; display leadership, positive role‑modeling, and professionalism.
• Demonstrate courteous, respectful demeanor; resolve individual issues calmly with a focus on solutions; identify concerns and provide input for resolution.
• Comply with Rogers Memorial Hospital policies and procedures—including Infection Control, Safety and Employee Health, Human Resources, and Experiential Therapy.
• Participate in training new employees as directed by the leader and engage in the Rogers Improvement System (ROS). Develop an understanding of the ROS process and apply the ROS model to department functions.
• Identify ROS concerns throughout the system; demonstrate understanding of Joint Commission and other regulatory agency compliance guidelines; attend informational meetings to increase awareness of regulations.
• Conduct experiential therapy as scheduled; evaluate, plan and coordinate programming to meet patients’/residents’ needs.
• Maintain Experiential Therapy environments for safety and supplies; be flexible with work assignments, including schedule changes and program additions.
• Complete treatment plans, evaluations, and therapeutic documentation according to Rogers policy.
• Demonstrate knowledge of intervention strategies, utilize redirection when necessary, monitor patient/resident behavior, and safely intervene using de‑escalation techniques and the least‑restrictive measures possible.
• Establish therapeutic rapport with patient/resident groups while maintaining appropriate professional relationships.
• Know common diagnostic categories and their relationship to patient/resident behavior; apply treatment procedures/models (behavioral, recovery, etc.) within a therapy setting.
• Attend all mandatory in‑services and other relevant trainings; fulfill educational requirements and license obligations governing the program/unit.
• Complete all required orientation competencies and training within the Experiential Therapy department and Rogers.
• Attend Experiential Therapy department and program staff meetings as required.
• Meet monthly with the manager of Experiential Therapy for clinical guidance, training, program evaluation, and problem reporting.
• Conduct program‑specific programming off Rogers Behavioral Health grounds, following procedures for using Rogers‑owned vehicles for designated patient populations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Education and Training Requirements

• BS/BA degree required, preferably in art, music, dance, recreation, or other therapeutic disciplines.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Certification/registration through an appropriate credentialing board preferred.
• Valid driver’s license in the state of employment (required for residential and PHP/IOP assignments).
• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR or American Red Cross Professional Rescue certification required within 30 days of hire, with annual recertification.
• Formal training in management of the aggressive patient required within 60 days of hire, with annual recertification, including self‑defense training.
• Ropes and Challenge Course training by Rogers Memorial Hospital, with yearly renewal where applicable.
• For Child/Adolescent Day Treatment programs licensed under HFS40: at least one (1) year of educational or work experience and a licensure or certification when serving children with mental health disorders.
• Compliance in Residential Care Centers (RCC) and Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) employee training requirements applicable to Experiential Therapy pool and fixed FTE staff.

Certifications and Licensure

• Art Credential – Certified
• Art Therapist – Registered
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
• Dance Therapist – Certified
• Music Therapist – Certified

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employee and family
• 401(k) retirement plan with employee share program
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health and wellness program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)