ACTIVITIES THERAPIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Published: May 06, 2026. The Activities Therapist has experience in therapeutic recreation, behavioral health, and adult day services within healthcare and rehabilitation settings. This role requires skills in treatment planning, patient de-escalation, recreational therapy, team collaboration, and staff supervision while supporting diverse and geriatric populations. The candidate also demonstrates strong communication, critical thinking, and patient engagement skills focused on improving emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Activities Therapist Resume
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Treatment Planning
- Patient Assessment
- Clinical Documentation
- Group Facilitation
- Behavior Intervention
- Care Coordination
- Therapeutic Programming
- Recreational Therapy
- Psychosocial Assessment
- Communication Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Emotional Resilience
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Leadership Skills
- Adaptability
- Empathy
- Organizational Skills
Summary of Activities Therapist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BS in Recreational Therapy with 4 years of Experience
- Experience in human services delivery systems, including experience in management or supervisory roles
- Experience or training in the care and supervision of clients in a licensed adult day program or an adult day health care facility
- Experience in care and supervision of individuals within the categories served by day programs
- Experience working in settings with LGBTQ seniors
- Compassionate, patient, and creative approach with strong social skills
- Ability to work effectively within a diverse team
- Experience coordinating the work of volunteers and contract staff for activities
- Fluency in a second language
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Ability to meet pre-employment requirements, including a successful criminal background check and required medical clearances, including health screening and Tuberculosis (TB) test
2. BA in Psychology with 6 years of Experience
- Ability to perform assignments with minimal supervision
- Ability to work effectively under highly stressful conditions
- Ability to make sound independent judgments based on scientific and or ethical principles
- Ability to adapt to varying workloads and work assignments consistently
- Strong reading comprehension and effective written and verbal communication skills
- Working knowledge of computers
- Ability to execute patient de-escalation methods, both verbal and physical
- Ability to complete new hire requirements, including the State of Alaska background check and drug testing
- Ability to demonstrate training, knowledge, and skills specific to age groups, as well as job and or program-specific competency
- CPR and Handle with Care certification
- Ability to comply with Tuberculosis testing requirements, including PPD skin test or chest X-ray upon hire and annually thereafter
- Experience in social or recreational patient activities programs within a healthcare setting
- Experience in geriatric psychiatric or long-term care nursing environments
3. BS in Therapeutic Recreation with 8 years of Experience
- Working knowledge of the attitudes, problems, and behaviors of individuals and groups
- Ability to apply the principles and practices of recreational therapy, music therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, and drama therapy
- Ability to teach therapeutic activities with approval from supervisors
- Ability to lead and direct staff in carrying out specific projects
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally
- Ability to escort individuals to and from activities
- Working knowledge of the methods, techniques, and purposes of movement therapy and leisure education, with the ability to apply related principles and practices
- Experience in Behavioral Healthcare, rehabilitative, or SNF settings
- Current ADA (Activity Director Certification) or CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist)
- Strong critical thinking skills and decisive judgment, with the ability to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action
4. BA in Human Services with 10 years of Experience
- Experience in recreation within a healthcare setting
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or in the process of obtaining national certification
- Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL)
- Possess CPR certification
- De-escalation and restraint certification
- Experience providing direct care support in a residential care facility for the treatment of sexually violent predators, or planning and implementing activities to support the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of clients in other populations
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screening
- Ability to obtain and maintain clearance for a Public Trust Position
- Ability to express thoughts logically in English, both written and verbal
- Ability to use computers and software, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and database systems
Editorial Process and Content Quality
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