Activity Therapist

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Two (2)years’ experienceworking as anactivitycoordinator or as a volunteer coordinator in a patient care setting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Bachelor’s degree

2. CertifiedTherapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

3. Some college and/or knowledge of recreational and therapeutic activities

EXPERIENCE:

1.Previous experience with EPIC software.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Organizes a patient activities program for both individuals and groups, as appropriate, based upon individual and unit needs, promoting patient well-being.

2. Plans, Organizes, and implements leisure activities, including physical, social, religious, creative/expressive, intellectual and other, as appropriate.

3. Works with unit managers and staff to identify and provide unit-based leisure activity programs and opportunities for patients.

4. Integrates activities into patient plan of care and documents in patient record as appropriate.

5. Accepts referral from units and physicians to visit patients.

6. Provides administrative support to the department as needed.

7. Assesses referred patients for leisure interests, needs, and problems.

8. Involves and informs healthcare professionals, family members, and others of activities and responses as indicated.

9. Communicates patient needs/concerns through proper chain of command, assuring patient needs/requests are being met.

10. Maintains records and other documentation as indicated.

11. Collects, organizes, and analyses programmatic data as needed.

12. Orders supplies and equipment applicable to Patient Activities program use.

13. Assists with budget control.

14. Submits requisition for supplies and equipment applicable to Patient Activities program use.

15. Promotes and contributes positively to the intradepartmental and interdepartmental relationships.

16. May orient and provide supervision to activity staff and/or volunteers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. This position requires a wide range of body motion. Moderate to heavy physical activity may be required. This includes lifting, pushing a loaded cart, and exercise type activities.

2. Able to bend, stoop, reach and be capable of normal rotation, standing and walking for an 11-12 hour shift. Able to lift 40 pounds from floor to waist. Able to ambulate, position, turn and pull up self-assisting adult patients.

3. May occasionally transport patients.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. May be scheduled to work various shifts based on departmental and patient needs.

2. May be exposed to virus, disease, and infection from patients and specimens in working environment

3. May be exposed to traumatic situations including psychiatric crisis, physical injuries and death.

SKILLS & ABILILTIES:

1. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

2. Ability to manage multiple tasks.

3. Ability to deal with emotional/stressful patient, families, and situations at times.

4. Use a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse and be able to use and apply hospital software programs.