Activity Therapist II / Morris Village

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking an Activity Therapist II who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Morris Village Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center, 620 Faison Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.

As the Activity Therapist II, you will plan, coordinate, implement and supervise the Morris Village Activity Therapy Department treatment program, staff and Internship Program. Assist with the evaluation, development and Performance Improvement of patient care and treatment program services. Provide supervision of recreation therapy staff, interns and the Activity Therapy Internship Program. Function as an integral part of the Activity Therapy Services and assigned treatment team. Conduct Activity Therapy referral groups, leisure activities and special events. Function cooperatively as a role model practicing teamwork within the Activity Therapy Department and with Morris Village and other facility staff.

Responsibilities for the Activity Therapy II:

• Provide supervision of Activity Therapy staff including performance evaluations, timekeeping and attendance, scheduling and coverage, a harassment-free environment, age and cultural competence, safety management, professionalism and prohibited abuse, neglect or exploitation of patients.  As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), assist service compliance of OMH and MV Policies and Procedures, and with planning, implementation and evaluation of daily, weekend and holiday leisure activities and special events.
• Conduct goal-oriented Activity Therapy referral groups utilizing Recreation Therapy techniques.  Plan and implement the referral program as it relates to substance use disorders and evaluates this service through collecting data and submitting statistical reports.  Function as cooperatively in the provision of group and documentation coverage for co-leader.
• Document assessments and progress reports for patients' electronic medical record to comply with quality and performance improvement standards.  Complete assessment requiring completion by a CTRS.
• Comply with treatment/care planning policies and procedures.  Attend treatment team meetings and participate in the identification of patient treatment needs in the development of a plan of care outlining interventions to meet goals identified and in the evaluation of patient care outcomes.
• Interview, select, and supervise Recreation Therapy (RT) Interns.  Plan, coordinate, implements and evaluate the R. T. Internship Program. 
• Evaluate treatment service effectiveness and submit proposals for improvement. Implement changes as approved to comply with program and Corporate Compliance standards. Complete and submit Quality Performance Improvement monitoring and evaluation reports. 
• Manage and care for facility and equipment to enhance a safe and therapeutic environment. Approve and submit supply and repair requests.
• Participate in OMH/MV mandatory and other relevant training to ensure competency. Participate in relevant staff and committee meetings. 

• A bachelor's degree in physical education, recreation or a related field and relevant program experience.
• A master's degree in Recreation Therapy and two (2) years of experience or a bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy and three (3) years of experience Recreation Therapy and three (3) years' experience in the corresponding field of therapy.  The curriculum for the degree must include a period of supervised clinical experience of no less than three (3) months.

Additional Requirements:

•   CTRS certification.
• Ability to work 37.5 hours weekly with rotating weekend, evening and holiday coverage.
• The ability to be mobile throughout the entire facility, including all Activity Therapy areas.
• Be able to perform physical requirements such as lifting, pushing, pulling and climbing as needed in a recreational setting.

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Post hire, employee must:

• Have thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of Recreation and Activity Therapy.
• Be skilled in utilizing Activity Therapy assessment, treatment techniques and modalities to assist patients in achieving therapeutic goals.
• Be able to establish rapport with patients. 
• Have the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with patients, staff, community and contacts.
• Have professionalism and skills in supervising staff proving direct patient care and in developing and practicing teamwork within the A. T. department and with other MV and OMH teams and departments.
• Have the ability to plan, coordinate and implement the Activity Therapy Internship Program.
• Provide supervision for university interns, maintaining NCTRC and university standards of practice for certification. 
• Have computer and EHR knowledge and skills.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application.  Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.  Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.  A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: 

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

Salary : $39,500 - $63,200