Activity Therapist II (Harris Hospital)

Activity Therapist II

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking an Activity Therapist II who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply. This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Patrick B. Harris Psychiatric Hospital, 130 SC-252, Anderson, SC 29621.

As the Activity Therapist II, working under limited supervision of the Activity Therapy Director, you will plan, organize, and implement a comprehensive Activity Therapy Program for adult patients at an acute, short-term psychiatric hospital.

Responsibilities for the Activity Therapist II:

• Conduct goal-oriented therapy groups in their field of study based on the individual needs and recommendations from treatment teams. Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate with and motivate patients to participate in therapeutic activities with attention to needs and capabilities. Provide group coverage for adult patient groups in times of staff shortage. (Conducts 15 groups/week)
• Plan Activity Therapy groups, including researching materials for new activity ideas, setting up materials to be used, preparing patient lists, cleaning up after groups, and recording information about patients' behaviors.
• Participate in treatment team meetings; prepare treatment plans and provide information regarding patients' progress in Activity Therapy groups. Provide treatment team coverage for adult programs in times of staff shortage.
• Complete individual Activity Therapy Service Assessment on each assigned patient; provide progress notes which indicate patient attendance, behavior, emotional state, and changes in mental status. Provide assessment and documentation coverage for adult patients in times of staffing shortage.
• Attend Activity Therapy meetings to provide and obtain information on patients. Attends in-service training and workshops to keep therapy skills current. Provide in-service to staff regarding specialized areas of knowledge as requested. Maintain and demonstrate competency in all mandatory areas, including MANDT, CPR, Corporate Compliance and Cultural Compliance, and complete SCEIS modules.
• Assist in planning, organizing, and implementing special events.
• Record statistical data on a daily basis and submit monthly statistical report to Director of Activity Therapy. Participate in monthly peer reviews and annual program evaluation.
• Responsible for maintenance of all equipment used in assigned groups and activities. Submit equipment requests, repair needs, and inventory reports to Director of Activity Therapy.

Minimum and Additional Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Horticulture Therapy, or Bibliotherapy which includes a period of supervised clinical field experience of no less than three months and two years of experience in the corresponding field of therapy; or a master's degree in these respective fields and one (1) year of field experience.
Additional Requirements:
• Possess the skills to perform a variety of physical activities at moderate level: physical sports, aerobics, exercise, aquatics.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, push a wheelchair, stand, walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to push, pull, bend, and stoop.
• Knowledgeable in the behaviors and level of functioning of adult psychiatric patients of varying ages and populations.
• Knowledge of the basic concepts for assessing patients, developing and conducting therapeutic groups, developing goals and interventions for adult/geriatric psychiatric patients.
• Provide leadership in the planning, organizing, and implementation of a treatment program and act as a model to the Activity Specialist I and Recreations Specialists.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in the individual's field of study.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments:

• Post hire, employees must: Be able to pass CPR Certification. Have the ability to perform MANDT and emergency care during emergencies. Be able to conduct therapeutic programs with minimal supervision.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
• State Retirement Plan ( SCRS )
• State Optional Retirement Program ( State ORP )

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.