ACTIVITIES THERAPIST JOB DESCRIPTION

Therapeutic activity is a clinical intervention, not recreation. In acute inpatient psychiatric and geriatric settings, the Activities Therapist holds a credentialed clinical function: assessing patient cognition and functional capacity, designing programs that address specific behavioral health goals, and documenting outcomes within regulated care plans. The role requires both CTRS-level professional standing and CPI certification to manage patient safety in high-acuity environments. Few entry-level clinicians enter with both.

As the Activities Therapist, you lead the full therapeutic activity program for an inpatient or day-health population, from initial assessment through care plan documentation, ensuring each patient's leisure interests and functional goals are translated into measurable clinical interventions. You report within a multidisciplinary treatment team alongside physicians, nurses, and social workers, and your assessments directly inform the team's patient progress decisions.

Career Impact: Completing this role with active CTRS registration and documented experience on a psychiatric unit positions you for senior therapeutic recreation roles and interdisciplinary team leadership in behavioral health settings.

Business Impact: Patients in psychiatric and geriatric units who receive structured activity therapy show measurable gains in cognitive engagement and coping capacity, outcomes that the treatment team cannot produce without a qualified Activities Therapist in the seat.

Growth Opportunity: The scope of this role, spanning cognitive assessment using tools like the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, group facilitation, and care plan authorship, builds the clinical documentation fluency and population-specific expertise that advance to Activity Director and program management tracks.

• Conduct therapeutic activity assessments for all newly admitted patients within the required admission timeframes to establish baseline functional capacity.
• Develop individualized activity therapy treatment plans aligned with physician orders and integrated into the interdisciplinary care plan.
• Facilitate individual and group activity therapy sessions, including a minimum of three hours of group programming daily across the patient population.
• Interview patients and families to gather history of prior abilities, interests, and functional roles relevant to treatment planning.
• Evaluate patient cognitive functioning on admission and discharge using standardized clinical tools to measure therapy outcomes.
• Document all assessments, daily group notes, and weekly therapeutic progress notes within the clinical records system according to hospital policy.
• Monitor population-level programming needs and revise or add activity offerings when clinical indicators or census changes warrant adjustment.
• Coordinate with the Activity Specialist, Volunteer Coordinator, and nursing staff to support community outings and special therapeutic events.

• Bachelor's degree in recreational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, social work, or a related health field, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of activity therapy or behavioral health experience working directly with psychiatric, geriatric, or cognitively impaired patient populations.
• Current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) registration or active certification in a recognized therapeutic activity discipline.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification obtained or completed within 30 days of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification current or completed within three months of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to complete clinical documentation accurately within regulated care plan and hospital records systems.
• Capacity to work flexible hours, including weekends and unscheduled overtime, in line with inpatient unit schedules.

• Experience administering the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale or equivalent standardized cognitive assessment instruments.
• Prior supervisory experience with activity aides, volunteers, or program assistants in a healthcare setting.
• Bilingual language proficiency that supports communication with patients and families whose primary language differs from that of the primary clinical staff.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary care plan platforms and electronic health record documentation workflows.

• Assessment completion rate, measuring the percentage of new admissions receiving a therapeutic activity evaluation within the required timeframe.
• Group session delivery hours per week, tracking adherence to the minimum daily programming standard across the patient census.
• Care plan documentation turnaround, measuring the timeliness of activity notes and weekly therapeutic progress entries within the clinical record.
• Discharge cognitive assessment completion rate, reflecting consistent use of standardized tools to capture functional change across admission and discharge.
• Patient engagement rate in scheduled group and individual sessions, indicating the reach of active therapeutic programming across the unit.

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $58,000 annually, varying by setting, region, and CTRS status.
• Bonus: Infrequent; some healthcare systems offer annual merit increases of 2 to 4 percent.
• Equity: Not typical for this role in healthcare settings.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by system size.
• PTO: 15 to 22 days annually, plus observed federal holidays.
• Common Perks: Continuing education reimbursement, license and certification renewal support, employee assistance program.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including applicable drug screening, are a condition of employment for all positions in this field. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Activities Therapist delivers recreational therapy assessments and individualized activity programming within a multidisciplinary psychiatric care team, completing patient evaluations within 72 hours of admission. Reporting to the physician and interdisciplinary team, this work supports patient wellness and recovery by designing experiences that build coping skills, encourage socialization, and bolster self-esteem.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate as a multidisciplinary team member performing recreational therapy assessments and assisting in treatment planning.
• Provide considerate, respectful care focused on patients' individual needs and goals toward wellness and recovery.
• Complete assessments on all patients related to activities within 72 hours of admission, reflecting leisure interests, goals, and ability to participate.
• Develop and update plans of care and activity goals based on patient assessment, physician orders, and patient progress.
• Design activity experiences that stimulate interest, encourage socialization, promote wellness, teach coping skills, and bolster self-esteem.
• Determine effective approaches to engage patients in activity programming and provide support through group and individual interventions.
• Evaluate patient population needs and add or modify programs as clinically indicated.
• Confer with the physician and multidisciplinary team regarding patient progress and document assessments concisely in the Computerized Information System.
• Maintain required certifications, licenses, and accurate inventory records.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Music Therapy, or Art Therapy.
• Certification in Activity Therapy.
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification required within 3 months of hire.
• Minimum 2 years of related experience on a psychiatric unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge of growth, development, and adult health throughout the life span as appropriate to the job.
• Strong professional, organizational, and interpersonal skills to effectively relate with all members of the healthcare team.

Embedded within an interdisciplinary hospital care team, the Activities Therapist develops individualized treatment plans and delivers individual and group activity therapy sessions documented in EPIC according to hospital policy. Working closely with the treatment team in interdisciplinary meetings, this role creates structured opportunities for socialization, self-expression, and coping support that advance patient mental health outcomes.

Core Functions

• Perform activity therapy assessments for assigned patients to determine treatment needs and record assessments.
• Develop individualized activity therapy treatment plans and integrate them with other team members in interdisciplinary meetings.
• Provide individual and group activity therapy sessions and record patients' responses to treatment in EPIC according to hospital policy.
• Provide opportunities for socialization, communication, self-expression, and comforting presence to help patients cope with mental health issues.
• Inventory and track activity therapy supplies and equipment; provide in-service training to staff as requested.
• Assist in the physical management of patients using CPI-approved techniques and follow established HIPAA privacy procedures.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in recreational therapy, music therapy, or art therapy.
• BLS certification within three months of hire; CPI certification within thirty days of hire; Recipient Rights and Corporate Compliance training within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter.
• Current registration or certification in a professional discipline, including Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
• Minimum one year of experience working with a mentally ill population.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated skill in individual and group activity therapy and in providing in-service training or public speaking.
• Ability to use a keyboard as required to perform essential duties of the job.

Reporting to the clinical team, the Activities Therapist shapes patient care by conducting therapeutic assessments within required timeframes and using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale to evaluate cognitive functioning on admission and discharge. Partnering with physicians, patients, and families, this role supports improved outcomes across psychiatric and geriatric settings through appropriately documented, individualized therapy implementation.

Primary Duties

• Evaluate all patients for therapeutic activities and implement plans as appropriate.
• Perform therapeutic assessments on all patients within the appropriate timeframe and conduct group therapy sessions for three hours per day or as deemed necessary.
• Interview patients and families regarding current and past abilities, interests, and professions.
• Assess each patient using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale to determine cognitive functioning on admission and discharge.
• Provide appropriate documentation, including activity assessments, daily group notes, and weekly activity therapeutic notes.
• Implement appropriate therapies from the treatment plan.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited school in social work or psychology.
• Prefer 1 year of work experience in a psychiatric or geriatric setting.
• Current State of Tennessee Driver's license and current auto liability insurance, according to company policy.
• Comprehensive knowledge of therapeutic activities, mental health treatment issues, and the ability to work in stressful or unpredictable situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to learn HRIS and/or scheduling systems.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including unscheduled overtime and weekend work.
• Ability to frequently lift objects to 40 pounds.

Sitting at the intersection of clinical care and community wellness, the Activities Therapist leads group sessions to teach alternative coping skills and evaluates patients through observation and interviews to identify activity needs. Operating across medical, nursing, and administrative staff relationships, this role builds patient health and well-being by developing targeted activity programming and progress reporting that informs the broader treatment plan.

Duties

• Provide recreation resources and opportunities to improve the health and well-being of the patient population.
• Confer with administrative and medical staff on activities and goals; evaluate patients by observation and interviews.
• Prepare progress and treatment reports and identify activity needs.
• Participate in in-service training and lead group sessions to teach alternative coping skills to overcome environmental, physical, or emotional barriers.
• Work effectively with all patients, medical, nursing, and other staff members, and deal tactfully with the public.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor's degree in Health and Human Services, Physical Education, or related field highly preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience planning and implementing activities to treat or maintain the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of clients.
• Ability to express thoughts logically in English in both written and verbal form.
• Proficient in computers and typical software, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and various database systems.
• Must pass a background check and drug screen.

A key member of the inpatient behavioral health treatment team, the Activity Therapist owns recreational therapy interventions and psychotherapeutic groups for adults and children experiencing acute mental health and substance abuse issues. Collaborating across the care team in an active support role, this work enables timely assessment, monitoring, and advocacy that keeps individualized treatment plans on track.

Functions

• Conduct facility group and individual activities.
• Accountable for recreational therapy interventions and psychotherapeutic groups.
• Provide appropriate therapeutic and educational interventions as they relate to Activities Therapy.
• Provide assessment, monitoring, planning, and advocacy for adults and children experiencing acute mental health and/or substance abuse issues in an inpatient setting.
• Support the treatment team as an active member.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy or related field required.
• 1 year of experience in behavioral health.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards appropriate to the position.
• Good clinical skills appropriate to the position.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, conflict management, time management, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and work with a team.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and customer service skills.

Participant engagement and measurable functional outcomes depend on the Activities Therapist, who implements and evaluates individualized therapeutic activity care plans while training and supervising activity aides and leaders across a diverse healthcare setting. Based within a team that includes an Activity Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator, this role strengthens cognitive and functional capacity for elderly and frail populations, including those living with dementia.

Accountabilities

• Implement and evaluate creative, individualized, and therapeutic activities for participant care plans.
• Train and teach activity aides and leaders new activities, delegate assignments, and supervise their performance.
• Plan and offer varied monthly programs using group and individual interventions to maximize participants' cognitive and functional abilities, including daily therapeutic activities for those with special needs.
• Work with the Activity Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator to plan community outings, agency-wide special events, and recruit and orient volunteers.
• Document participants' involvement in activities, revise care plans as needed, and participate in quarterly Quality Assurance programs and committee projects.
• Actively participate in team discussions and monthly staff meetings.
• Assist with personal care of participants as needed.

Position Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited college with a B.A. in art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, recreation therapy, occupational therapy, social work, or a health-related field.
• 2 years of professional work experience with elderly or frail populations in a healthcare setting within the last 5 years.
• Experience with older adults with dementia.
• May require current certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Compassionate, patient, creative, and strong social skills.
• Stability, maturity, and flexibility in work.
• Ability to work with volunteers and contract staff in a diverse team.
• Bilingual in Cantonese and English required; fluency in a second language helpful; written and spoken fluency in English required.

As the Activities Therapist, this role plans and delivers varied monthly therapeutic activity programs and group sessions that maximize cognitive and functional abilities for patients across an inpatient psychiatric care setting. The treatment team relies on this work to ensure assessments are completed, care plans are implemented, and patients receive structured therapeutic interventions that support recovery and well-being.

Activities

• Evaluate all patients for therapeutic activities and implement plans as appropriate.
• Perform therapeutic assessments on all patients within the appropriate timeframe and conduct group therapy sessions for three hours per day or as deemed necessary.
• Interview patients and families regarding current and past abilities, interests, and professions.
• Assess each patient using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale to determine cognitive functioning on admission and discharge.
• Provide appropriate documentation, including activity assessments, daily group notes, and weekly activity therapeutic notes.
• Implement appropriate therapies from the treatment plan.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited school in social work or psychology.
• Prefer 1 year of work experience in a psychiatric or geriatric setting.
• Current State of Tennessee Driver's license and current auto liability insurance, according to company policy.
• Comprehensive knowledge of therapeutic activities, mental health treatment issues, and the ability to work in stressful or unpredictable situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to learn HRIS and/or scheduling systems.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including unscheduled overtime and weekend work.
• Ability to frequently lift objects to 40 pounds.