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 patient’s 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.
 

Requirements

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 bachelor’s 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 bachelor’s degree program that meets the requirements for an Occupational Therapist license issued by the Occupational Therapy Board of California.