Job Summary:

Provides activity therapy to clients admitted and treated for psychiatric illness. This position includes leadership of psychoeducational groups; scheduling of client groups, coordination of schedules of activity therapy techs, and keeping the department supply inventory in line with budgetary requirements.

Functions and Duties:

• Provides direct client contact, as appropriate.
• Assist with maintaining unit safety.
• Interviews and completes assessments on clients admitted to the department within the prescribed time period.
• Documents results of assessments, groups and client progress toward activity therapy (AT) goals as listed in the treatment plan.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings providing assessment information and supplying AT interventions.
• Interacts in a positive and constructive manner with physicians, nurses, other treatment team members, and other departments when the need for consultation is apparent.
• Plans and administers structured activities to provide psychological, physical, intellectual, and social stimulation of psychiatric clients.
• Precepts and trains other employees as assigned.
• Coordinates activities with nursing personnel and other ancillary providers to avoid time conflicts.
• Identifies and communicates important client information to other team members as needed.
• Attends in-services, training, and meetings as required.
• Documents client’s participation in groups and unit activities.
• Exercise consideration and clean up the professional supplies used for conducting the group activities.
• Promotes harmonious relationships among the health care team and internal/external customers.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college or university in Activity Therapy, Recreational Therapy or related health care field is required.

Experience

• One year of job-related experience preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

• None required.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span.
• Ability to assess data reflective of the client’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each client’s requirements relative to his or her age specific needs, and to provide the care needed by adult and/or geriatric client groups.