Expressive Arts Therapist

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Rates between $33 - $36 per hour (depending on experience and education)

Join the transformative Southcoast Behavioral Health team and be part of a difference-making journey every day! Southcoast Behavioral Health, located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, is a premier mental health treatment center with 192 beds. We serve pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, as well as adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Must be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) / Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) / Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)

Purpose Statement: Plan, direct and implement activity therapy programs as a component of the patient's treatment plan.

Benefits include:

• Health made simple: Three UMR medical plans—including a no-deductible Surest PPO with upfront copays—plus dental and vision with 100% preventive care.
• Support for your finances: HSA/FSA options, employer-paid disability, life insurance (1.5x salary), and a 401(k) through Empower to help you plan ahead.
• Care for your wellbeing: Free counseling (CuraLinc), virtual therapy (Talkspace, Teladoc), and programs for maternity, tobacco cessation, and chronic conditions.
• Added peace of mind: Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital coverage when you need extra protection.
• Help beyond the workplace: An Employee Assistance Program with free legal, financial, and identity support.
• Perks you'll appreciate: Tuition support (EdAssist), early pay access (EarnIn), discounts (PerkSpot), and emergency assistance through the Employee Cares Fund.

Essential Functions:

• Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview, obtaining information on the patient's needs, skills, interests and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
• Plan, organize, direct and implement the activities within the treatment program to facilitate patient progress with treatment goals.
• Plan and implement an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness.
• Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well-being.
• Instruct patients in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs.
• Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and helps the patient achieve his/her treatment goals.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities, such as exercise, games and community outings.
• Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent.
• Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

Other Functions:

• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Three or more years experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility required.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Licenses/Designations/Certifications:

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required.
• CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.