Job Description:
Job Summary
Under direction, the Activities Therapist plans and conducts therapeutic rehabilitation activities and functional life skills assessments for patients with psychiatric or co-occurring disorders. Using the principles and practices of recreation therapy, the Activities Therapist develops and facilitates programs to support patients emotional and social well-being, working as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
Examples of Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:
-
Principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applied in an acute care psychiatric facility.
-
Characteristics of mental and emotional disorders and appropriate assessment techniques for treatment planning.
-
Individual and group facilitation techniques.
-
Medical and psychiatric terminology.
-
Regulations governing the treatment of individuals in psychiatric health facilities.
-
Principles and practices of community mental health, emphasizing coordination between public and community agencies.
Ability to:
-
Conceptualize and plan recreation therapy programs tailored to patients with mental health disabilities.
-
Adapt therapeutic activities to meet each patients functional level.
-
Work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
-
Use medical and psychiatric terminology accurately.
-
Lead and instruct patients in recreational, therapeutic, and social activities.
-
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Employment Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
License / Certificate / Registration Requirement:
-
Current certification as a Recreation Therapist by either:
-
(a) California Board of Recreation and Park Certification, or
-
(b) National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
-
OR
-
Current license as an Occupational Therapist issued by the Occupational Therapy Board of California.
OR
-
Completion of a bachelors degree program that meets the requirements for a Recreation Therapist certificate issued by either:
-
(a) Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, or
-
(b) National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
-
OR
-
Completion of a bachelors degree program that meets the requirements for an Occupational Therapist license issued by the Occupational Therapy Board of California.