Allied Therapist

Position Summary:

Provides activity therapy treatment to groups and individuals to facilitate optimal rehabilitation and health of mentally, physically and/or emotionally handicapped patients/clients.  Develops, implements and evaluates a comprehensive Activities Therapy Program for the facility.  Participates in the performance improvement and continuous quality (CQI) improvement activities of the Activity Therapy Services

Position Responsibilities:

Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)

• Delivers artistic therapy services and supports and empowers staff to embrace the mission and value statement of the facility.

• Develops, implements and evaluates a comprehensive artistic therapy program in collaboration with the Certified Recreation Therapy Specialist (CTRS) and the Director of Clinical Services.

• Demonstrates knowledge of a wide range of psychosocial, cognitive and/or developmental disorders, and physical disabilities and those related to music/art therapy services.

• Able to direct and coordinate artistic activities programs for entire population served at the hospital.

• Demonstrates ability to ensure artistic therapy activities meet the needs, interests, and capabilities of the patients/clients of the facility.

• Makes recommendations to the CTRS for new artistic therapy methods and techniques; provides in-services to staff.

• Demonstrates ability to assess patient/client pain that may interfere with the optimal level of functioning or participation in rehabilitation.  Makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.

• Demonstrates ability to implement all necessary safety precautions are taken to provide a safe environment for patients/clients and staff.  Documents unusual events.

• Demonstrates ability to engage the patient/client in purposeful activity using therapeutic methods and goals, which are considered standard practice for artistic therapies that are identified in the treatment plan

• Demonstrates ability to treat patients/clients and families with respect and dignity.

• Demonstrates all aspects of patient/client care in an environment that optimizes patient/client safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare errors.

• Demonstrates and supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality

• Evaluates, selects and recommends new therapy supplies and equipment.  Ensures preventive maintenance programs are in place.  Recommends repairs and/or replacements

• Stays current in field through continuing education, seminars/conferences/workshops, professional societies, and journals.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety (15% of performance review)

• Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
• Follows all safety rules while on the job.
• Reports “near misses”, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
• Corrects minor safety hazards.
• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
• Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Teamwork (15% of performance review)

• Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
• Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required
• Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
• Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
• Adheres to the Standards of Behavior

Integrity (15% of performance review)

• Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital
• Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
• Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
• Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
• Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership
• Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
• Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.

Compassion (15% of performance review)

• Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
• Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand
• Desire to go above and beyond for others
• Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences

Education

• Required: Bachelors degree in applicable allied therapy program (such as dance, art, music etc.).  Applicable license and/or certification as an Allied Therapist in the state of employment within 6 months of hire. May accept certification as a yoga instructor. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in applicable allied therapy program.
• Maintains education and development appropriate for position.

Experience

• Required: Previous experience in a healthcare setting
• Preferred: One (1) year of experience as an Allied Therapist in a behavioral healthcare setting.