Part-Time Activity Therapist - Behavioral Hospital

Activity Therapist

Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Arlington is one of the leading behavioral healthcare providers in the country, serving children, adolescents, and adults. We deliver hope through comprehensive and dedicated treatment programs across several states and care settings. Our programs include inpatient acute treatment and residential treatment, all delivered with a commitment to our core values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment.

Role Overview As an Activity Therapist at Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Arlington, you'll provide supervision, support, and therapeutic activities for children, adolescents, and adults in an acute behavioral health setting. This role participates in the development and implementation of clients' behavioral programs by providing care, close supervision, and crisis intervention as needed. This role leads Recreation Therapy groups, assists with daily living skills, promotes social, emotional, and cognitive development, and fosters positive relationships with patients and staff. They ensure safety, follow treatment plans and facility policies, document progress, and contribute to a structured, supportive, and therapeutic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement individual treatment plans by supervising patients, providing positive guidance and role modeling, and applying appropriate consequences based on behaviors and program rules.
• Maintain safety and security of patients and the facility by closely observing patients, staying alert, and proactively intervening in potentially unsafe or escalating situations.
• Plan, develop, and lead Recreation Therapy (RT) groups and activities that match patients' abilities, interests, and therapeutic goals.
• Encourage patient engagement, socialization, and meaningful participation in both individual and group activities.
• Modify activities as needed to meet varying functional levels or behavioral needs.
• Provide one-to-one support focusing on social development, life skills, and daily living tasks, including personal hygiene and self-care.
• Accompany patients to meals, educational sessions, recreation, and off-site activities as needed.
• Use therapeutic skills to de-escalate aggression, including active listening, neutral tone, appropriate boundaries, and consistent positive reinforcement.
• Provide crisis intervention when necessary, following safety and restraint protocols while prioritizing patient and staff safety.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including behavior observations, RT group notes, attendance, and progress reports.
• Report patient progress, behavioral changes, or concerns to the Recreation Therapist, Supervisor, or interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in work areas, assist with facility safety, and ensure materials, supplies, and equipment are prepared and organized for activities.
• Consistently attend all required trainings, meetings, and staff education to meet facility and regulatory standards.

Treatment Team Collaboration

• Participate as active member of interdisciplinary treatment team
• Communicate patient progress and behavioral changes
• Document interventions and treatment outcomes
• Contribute to development of patient care plans
• Share insights on patient response to therapy

Therapeutic Leadership

• Model appropriate behaviors and interactions
• Apply counseling concepts and methods
• Lead group processing activities
• Demonstrate expertise in group dynamics
• Create engaging therapeutic environments

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, or Occupational Therapy preferred.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• De-escalation Training: Handle with Care (HWC) certification.
• Knowledge of psychiatric care and mental illness
• Strong group facilitation skills
• Excellent documentation abilities
• Flexibility to work various shifts including evenings and holidays

Preferred Experience

• One year experience in behavioral health setting
• Background in psychiatric patient care
• Experience with diverse patient populations
• Crisis intervention training
• Knowledge of mental health recovery principles

Professional Competencies

• Strong therapeutic assessment skills
• Excellence in group facilitation
• Creative problem-solving abilities
• Cultural sensitivity
• Team collaboration
• Crisis management capabilities

Compensation & Schedule Salary

• $16-18 per hour
• Growth potential based on experience and performance

Schedule

• Part-time position
• Weekday and weekend availability
• 24-29 hours per week

Growth Opportunities

• Professional development support
• Continuing education
• Mentorship programs
• Specialized training opportunities
• Career advancement potential

Work Environment

• Dynamic healthcare setting
• Collaborative team atmosphere
• Focus on evidence-based practices
• Commitment to quality care
• Supportive leadership

Location Arlington, TX

Equal Opportunity Employer

Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Arlington is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.