Activity Coordinator - PRN

The Activity Coordinator (AC) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating therapeutic recreational activities and special events that support the treatment goals of students and residents in a residential treatment setting. The AC promotes positive social interaction, healthy leisure skills, emotional growth, and community engagement while maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Activity & Event Coordination

Coordinate all recreational activities with the Director of Alternative Therapy.

Plan, organize, and facilitate on-campus and off-campus therapeutic activities.

Assist with planning seasonal events, celebrations, and special programming.

Develop creative and engaging activities that align with treatment goals.

Work independently while maintaining communication with department leadership.

Ensure activities are age-appropriate, therapeutic, and trauma-informed.

Maintain organized monthly activity calendars.

Create flyers, announcements, newsletters, and other internal marketing materials.

Research new community outing locations while prioritizing resident safety.

Ensure all outings meet facility safety standards and transportation requirements.

Therapeutic Programming

Facilitate individual coaching sessions.

Lead behavioral, social skills, educational, and recreational groups.

Encourage positive peer interactions.

Build healthy therapeutic relationships with residents.

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

Utilize therapeutic communication techniques.

Promote healthy coping skills and problem-solving.

Demonstrate strong clinical judgment during activities and groups.

Behavior Management

Observe resident behaviors and identify emotional or behavioral concerns.

Utilize verbal de-escalation techniques.

Implement approved behavioral interventions.

Avoid power struggles.

Promote emotional regulation and conflict resolution.

Support residents in achieving treatment goals.

Ensure activities remain safe and therapeutic.

Documentation

Document services provided in the electronic health record.

Record resident participation and progress.

Document incidents according to facility policy.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation.

Follow all documentation standards and deadlines.

Treatment Team Responsibilities

Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.

Provide observations regarding resident progress.

Assist with treatment planning.

Communicate resident concerns to clinical staff.

Attend required staffing meetings.

Collaborate with all departments to support resident success.

Daily Expectations

Follow the daily program schedule.

Arrive to work on time and follow attendance policies.

Maintain professionalism at all times.

Keep facility keys secured and in your possession.

Maintain supervision of residents at all times.

Model appropriate behavior and communication.

Follow all facility policies and procedures.

Safety Responsibilities:

The Activity Coordinator is expected to:

Maintain constant awareness of resident safety.

Ensure adequate supervision during activities.

Conduct safety checks before outings.

Follow transportation procedures.

Respond appropriately during emergencies.

Maintain CPR and First Aid readiness.

Report hazards immediately.

Follow infection prevention procedures.

Required Skills

Successful Activity Coordinators demonstrate:

Excellent communication skills

Creativity and innovation

Organization and planning

Time management

Professional boundaries

Strong clinical judgment

Teamwork

Leadership

Flexibility

Conflict resolution

Verbal de-escalation

Trauma-informed care

Positive role modeling

Documentation Standards

The Activity Coordinator will:

Complete documentation before the end of shift.

Record attendance for groups and activities.

Document resident participation.

Report behavioral concerns.

Document incidents accurately.

Maintain confidentiality.

Follow HIPAA guidelines.

Regulatory Compliance

The Activity Coordinator must comply with:

HIPAA Privacy Rules

DBHDS Regulations

Joint Commission Standards

Facility Policies and Procedures

Human Rights Regulations

Mandatory Staff Development Requirements

Required Certifications:

The following certifications must be maintained:

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Approved Behavioral Intervention Program (HWC)

Valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required.

Must be at least 19 years of age in accordance with the Commonwealth of Virginia Interdepartmental Regulation of Children's Residential Facilities.

Experience working with adolescents in behavioral health, education, recreation, or residential care preferred.

Ability to safely transport residents to community activities.

Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Performance Expectations

The Activity Coordinator consistently:

Provides safe, engaging, and therapeutic activities.

Demonstrates professionalism and reliability.

Maintains therapeutic boundaries.

Uses sound clinical judgment.

Effectively de-escalates challenging behaviors.

Completes documentation accurately and timely.

Communicates effectively with the treatment team.

Maintains resident confidentiality.

Supports the mission and values of the organization.

Contributes to a positive, structured therapeutic environment.

Note: This job aid is intended to provide guidance regarding the primary responsibilities of the Activity Coordinator position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed to support the therapeutic program and organizational operations.