Part-Time Activity Therapist - Behavioral Hospital

About the role

As an Activity Therapist at Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Arlington, you'll provide supervision, support, and therapeutic activities for children, adolescents, and adults in an acute behavioral health setting. This role participates in the development and implementation of clients’ behavioral programs by providing care, close supervision, and crisis intervention as needed. This role leads Recreation Therapy groups, assists with daily living skills, promotes social, emotional, and cognitive development, and fosters positive relationships with patients and staff. They ensure safety, follow treatment plans and facility policies, document progress, and contribute to a structured, supportive, and therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities

• Implement individual treatment plans by supervising patients, providing positive guidance and role modeling, and applying appropriate consequences based on behaviors and program rules.
• Maintain safety and security of patients and the facility by closely observing patients, staying alert, and proactively intervening in potentially unsafe or escalating situations.
• Plan, develop, and lead Recreation Therapy (RT) groups and activities that match patients’ abilities, interests, and therapeutic goals.
• Encourage patient engagement, socialization, and meaningful participation in both individual and group activities.
• Modify activities as needed to meet varying functional levels or behavioral needs.
• Provide one-to-one support focusing on social development, life skills, and daily living tasks, including personal hygiene and self-care.
• Accompany patients to meals, educational sessions, recreation, and off-site activities as needed.
• Use therapeutic skills to de-escalate aggression, including active listening, neutral tone, appropriate boundaries, and consistent positive reinforcement.
• Provide crisis intervention when necessary, following safety and restraint protocols while prioritizing patient and staff safety.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including behavior observations, RT group notes, attendance, and progress reports.
• Report patient progress, behavioral changes, or concerns to the Recreation Therapist, Supervisor, or interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in work areas, assist with facility safety, and ensure materials, supplies, and equipment are prepared and organized for activities.
• Consistently attend all required trainings, meetings, and staff education to meet facility and regulatory standards.
• Participate as an active member of interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Communicate patient progress and behavioral changes.
• Document interventions and treatment outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of patient care plans.
• Share insights on patient response to therapy.
• Model appropriate behaviors and interactions.
• Apply counseling concepts and methods.
• Lead group processing activities.
• Demonstrate expertise in group dynamics.
• Create engaging therapeutic environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, or Occupational Therapy preferred.
• Knowledge of psychiatric care and mental illness.
• Strong group facilitation skills.
• Excellent documentation abilities.
• Flexibility to work various shifts including evenings and holidays.
• One year experience in behavioral health setting.
• Background in psychiatric patient care.
• Experience with diverse patient populations.
• Crisis intervention training.
• Knowledge of mental health recovery principles.
• Strong therapeutic assessment skills.
• Excellence in group facilitation.
• Creative problem-solving abilities.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Team collaboration.
• Crisis management capabilities.

Benefits

• Salary range: $16-18 per hour.
• Growth potential based on experience and performance.
• Part-time position.
• Weekday and weekend availability.
• 24-29 hours per week.
• Professional development support.
• Continuing education.
• Mentorship programs.
• Specialized training opportunities.
• Career advancement potential.
• Dynamic healthcare setting.
• Collaborative team atmosphere.
• Focus on evidence-based practices.
• Commitment to quality care.
• Supportive leadership.