Activity Therapy Specialist

Are you looking to make a difference by improving the health of our patients? Here you will find an innovative culture that is patient-focused and dedicated to making a difference. We are committed to helping the population we serve, and our communities, achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible.

The Activity Therapy Specialist provides direct activity therapy services to patients. These services include assessment and evaluation of psychosocial functioning, formulation of treatment goals, planning and implementation of therapeutic activities, and documentation of such. The Activity Therapy Specialist contributes to the support of patients through multidisciplinary teamwork. Under general supervision, the employee works within general methods and procedures and exercises considerable independent judgment to adapt and apply guidelines to specific situations. The work requires knowledge of the policies, procedures, and regulations of activities therapy programs, and supervisory techniques, personnel policies, and procedures.

• Provides individualized Activity Therapy services to all patients on Inpatient Psychiatry in coordination with the multidisciplinary treatment philosophy
• Evaluates patients’ strengths, weaknesses, interests, and individual goals/lifestyle within 48 hours of admission, as evidenced by random supervisory chart review of the AT assessment note
• Formulates individualized treatment goals and expected outcomes within 48 hours, as evidenced by random supervisory chart review of the AT assessment note
• Implements a daily schedule of activities, individual and group, that meet the needs of the individual patient, as well as a diverse patient population, as evidenced by random supervisory review of documentation on the Multidisciplinary Flowsheet and progress notes
• Maintains required supply inventory and equipment, per supervisory review of monthly Responsibility Reports
• Documents patient progress, amends and updates treatment plan, as indicated, measured by random supervisory chart review
• Collaborates with other members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, families and community agencies to provide patient centered care
• Participates in team meetings and nursing report, as evidenced by random supervisory review of signature on the Comprehensive Treatment Plan
• Meets with nursing leadership to ensure adequate resources when Activity Therapy Specialist is unavailable, as noted by nursing co-worker feedback
• Delivers care in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner that is sensitive to patient diversity, 100% of the time, as measured by no significant substantiated patient or peer complaints received by manager/supervisor
• Maintains and updates the Patient Information Bulletin Board, as measured by random supervisory review
• Maintains connections with appropriate community resources, and recommends use of them to treatment team, pts., and families. Random chart review, as well as verbal feedback from customers, will demonstrate adherence to standard
• Maintains knowledge and skills relevant to the discipline of Activity Therapy, as well as compliance with Bassett Healthcare education requirements
• Participates in 6-10 hours of educational activity related to job function annually and provides documented evidence of attendance or activity to supervisor
• Performs other duties as requested

Education:

• 4 Year/Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Human Services, Creative Arts or related field.
  • Experience may be considered in lieu of education, preferred
• Master's Degree in Recreation, Human Services, Creative Arts or related field, preferred
• 2 Year/Associates Degree in Recreation, Human Services, Creative Arts or related field, required

Experience:

• 6 months of experience with recreational therapy or similar field, required
• 1 year experience working with psychiatric patients, preferred

Licensure/Certifications:

• Certification in any related field is preferred

Skills:

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Creative Thinking
• Facilitate
• Listening
• Maintain Confidentiality
• Motivation
• Reading/Writing/Comprehension
• Self-Motivated

Physical requirements:

• Light Work - Exerting up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.
• Occasional balancing, repetitive motion
• Frequent crouching, typing/clerical/dexterity, grasping, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, seeing/monitor/computer use, standing, stooping, visual acuity (color, depth, perception), walking
• Constant hearing, talking, fit testing

Hazards:

• Occasional bodily fluids/bloodborne exposure

Travel:

• No travel required