Psychosocial Group Therapist Manager

The facility must provide, based on the comprehensive assessment and care plan and the preferences of each patient, an ongoing program to support patients in their choice of activities, both facility sponsored group and individual activities and independent activities, designed to meet the interests of and support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each patient, encouraging both independence and interaction in the community. (2) The activities program must be directed by a qualified professional who is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who— (i) Is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the State in which practicing; and (ii) Is: (A) Eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990; or (B) Has 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, one of which was full-time in a therapeutic activities program; or (C) Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or (D) Has completed a training course approved by the State. JC 482.58

Provides leadership and professional activity programming services to the acute senior behavioral health program for patients and their families in a manner consistent with the philosophy and objectives of the facility, and in compliance with regulatory requirements and best practice. Plans, coordinates, implements, evaluates, and documents a therapeutic activity program designed to meet the optimal physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and psychosocial needs of patients. Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary health care team to incorporate individualized activity interventions into the patient’s plan of care and therapeutic treatment program. Promotes a safe, structured, person-centered, trauma-informed therapeutic milieu that supports patient engagement, dignity, independence, socialization, coping, and quality of life.

Psychosocial Group Therapist Managers main responsibilities include: completing or contributing to activity assessments, identifying patient interests, abilities, limitations, and therapeutic needs, and developing individualized and group-based interventions. Provides and documents structured recreational, therapeutic, cognitive, social, sensory, physical, and leisure activities appropriate for older adults and seniors with acute mental health and cognitive disorders. Adapts activities to accommodate cognitive, physical, behavioral, sensory, and emotional limitations; monitors patient response and participation; and communicates significant findings or changes to the interdisciplinary team. The Activity Director supports therapeutic milieu management, encourages appropriate peer interaction and socialization, and assists patients in developing positive coping skills and meaningful routines.

The individual serving in this role will work primarily with and provide care to older adults and seniors, age 55 years and older, experiencing acute mental health and cognitive disorders in an acute behavioral health setting.

SUPERVISOR - Director of Senior Behavioral Services

SUPERVISES - Activity staff, CNA’s helping with activities, volunteers, students, and/or activity program support personnel as assigned; no direct supervisory duties unless specifically designated by the Director of Senior Behavioral Services.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, Activity Therapy, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or a related human services field from an accredited college or university. Acceptable educational preparation may include Licensed Therapeutic Recreational Therapist, Licensed Social Worker with a bachelor’s degree, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), or qualified Activity Specialist with education and training appropriate to the position and applicable regulatory requirements, Licensed Nurse.

Prior experience working with older adults and/or the acute psychiatric population, preferably in an inpatient behavioral health, geriatric behavioral health, skilled nursing, long-term care, or hospital setting. Prefer experience with therapeutic activity programming, group leadership, cognitive and recreational interventions, behavioral and crisis management, dementia-related behaviors, person-centered care, psychosocial support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adapting activities for individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, or behavioral limitations.

Must maintain any professional license, certification, registration, or credential required for the position and applicable by Kansas law and facility policy. Where applicable, credentials may include Kansas licensure or certification as a Therapeutic Recreational Therapist/Recreational Therapist, Licensed Social Worker, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), or Activity Specialist credential, or licensed nurse. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and required Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) training must be maintained in accordance with facility policy. Additional activity, dementia-care, behavioral-health, or geriatric certifications are preferred.