Summary: CharterCARE Health Partners is seeking an Activity, Recreation and Group Therapist for our inpatient psychiatric units. The Activity, Recreation, and Group Therapist works in collaboration with unit staff and the inter-disciplinary treatment team (under the supervision of the System Manager of Inpatient Behavioral Health Social Work) in implementing groups and activities within the hospital milieu to meet the educational, recreational, and social needs of the patients. The Activity, Recreation, and Group Therapist provides a role as patient advocate through his/ her own role modeling of standards of performance and by communicating and meeting patients’ needs for service.

Education: Master’s Degree in Allied Health field, Bachelor’s degree with Board Certification or CTRS certification, LADAC or CADAC certification.

Licensure: Board Certification in Art, Music or Recreation Therapy or CTRS certification. LADAC or CADAC certification.

Experience: Two years related experience preferred, with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques with understanding of mental illness and substance use disorders, preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

* Completes assessment in the psychosocial/leisure and recreational skills development/deficiency

* Leads curriculum based psycho-educational groups and therapeutic recreation activities

* Is able to identify and articulate the goals and purpose of each group offered on the unit.

* Demonstrates the ability maintain the boundaries of the group and facilitate positive interactions within the group.

* Demonstrates the ability to manage the difficult patient using positive and supportive techniques.

* Utilizes a variety of therapeutic activities and groups to best meet the needs of a diverse population.

* Assists in the maintenance of supply closets and unit activity spaces.

* Observes all relevant risk management and infection control policies and procedures and any applicable performance improvement activities.

* Demonstrates effective skills in de-escalation of patients in crisis situations

* Consistently considers own safety, safety of other staff and patients on the unit in the execution of patient care

* Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with CharterCARE Health Partners policies and procedures regarding restraint and seclusion.

* Demonstrates skill in organizing and/or participating in patient restraints according to hospital policy.

* Demonstrates ability to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment

* Monitors patients behaviors and needs and reports activities to the nurse

* Engages in therapeutic conversations

* Facilitate independent activities for patients unable to attend group

* Document services and appropriate clinical information in electronic medical record.

* Complete and maintain crisis intervention and de-escalation training.

Working Conditions, Physical Environment and/or Safety Requirements:

Works in a well-lit and ventilated area. Must meet Annual safety training requirements relative to a safe work place. Must meet health-testing requirements such as TB skin test annually. Frequent patient contact requires adherence to universal precautions at all times. May be required to lift heavy objects weighing up 25 pounds from time to time.